what is reference

Definition of reference (Entry 2 of 3)
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Some banks allow two references, one for your statement and one for the payee. If you are not sure which field is for the payee, please enter our Payment Reference in both fields.
Do not insert any comments or words with your reference. Our system only needs the numeric reference to recognize your payment.

These reference numbers are used to identify and track shipments as they move through the UPS Mail Innovations network and the United States Postal Service ® , which makes the final delivery.
For UPS Mail Innovations ® shipments, a shipment reference is a unique package ID that you assign through barcoded information for each of your mail pieces. This information can be up to 30 characters in length and be alpha and/or numeric with no spaces or symbols. Package IDs should not be reused for at least six months.

You’ll see this printed on your bill, for example your credit card bill.
The reference will appear on both your statement and your recipient’s.

References:

http://www.globalmediapro.com/content/WhatIsAPaymentReference
http://www.ups.com/us/en/help-center/sri/shipping.page
http://ask.barclayswealth.com/help/international/wealth-online/pmt-reference
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reference