A Complete Guide to Merchant Category Codes

Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) are four-digit codes used by businesses to identify the type of business they operate. MCCs are used by credit card processors to help them accurately route transactions to the appropriate acquiring bank.

Why are Merchant Category Codes important?

There are several reasons why businesses should be aware of their MCCs. The first reason is that your MCC may impact how your business is taxed. For example, if you sell products online and your MCC is classified as a "retailer" rather than a "service provider," you may be subject to different tax rates.

Another reason to be familiar with your MCC is that it may impact your ability to accept credit cards. For example, if you operate a business that is classified as a "hotel" or "restaurant," you may be able to accept American Express cards, but not Visa or Mastercard.

Finally, it's important to be aware of your MCC because it can help you determine your risk profile. For example, if you operate a business that is classified as a "high-risk" merchant, you may be subject to additional fees or greater scrutiny from credit card processors.

What are the most common Merchant Category Codes?

The most common Merchant Category Codes are:

4411 - Restaurants and Bars

4111 - Airline Tickets

4722 - Retail Stores

5311 - Credit Unions and Banks

5411 - Mortgage Lenders and Brokers

5941 - Amateur Sports Clubs, Leagues, and Venues

7222 - Computer and Software Stores

8222 - TV, Radio, and Movie Theaters

9222 - Other amusement and recreation services

9411 - Taxi and Limousine Services

How can I find out my Merchant Category Code?

If you're not sure what your Merchant Category Code is, you can contact your credit card processor or the credit card networks themselves. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all have websites where businesses can lookup their MCC.

How can I change my Merchant Category Code?

If you would like to change your Merchant Category Code, you can contact your credit card processor or the credit card networks themselves. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all have websites where businesses can request a change to their MCC. However, it's important to note that not all businesses are eligible to change their MCC. For example, if you're a retailer, you may not be able to change your MCC to a "service provider" code.

Why Should Merchants Care About Merchant Category Codes?

Merchant Category Codes are important because they can impact a business's tax liability, ability to accept credit cards, and risk profile. businesses should be aware of their MCC and how it affects them.

Why Should Consumers Care About Merchant Category Codes?

Merchant Category Codes are important because they can impact the types of businesses that accept credit cards. Consumers should be aware of which types of businesses accept which types of credit cards. For example, a consumer may want to use a particular credit card when dining out at a restaurant.

Where Can I Find More Information About Merchant Category Codes?

If you would like more information about Merchant Category Codes, you can contact your credit card processor or the credit card networks themselves. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all have websites where businesses can find more information about MCCs.

Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) are four-digit codes used by businesses to identify the type of products or services they offer. MCCs are used by credit card processors to determine a business's risk profile and to assign them an appropriate processing rate.

Author's Note

If you would like to change your Merchant Category Code, you can contact your credit card processor or the credit card networks themselves. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all have websites where businesses can request a change to their MCC.

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