Guides

MCC codes for merchants

A practical guide

An MCC (merchant category code) is a four-digit number defined in ISO 18245 that describes your primary business activity to card networks and issuing banks. It travels with authorizations so issuers know what kind of sale they are approving.

MCCs are not marketing labels. You cannot pick a “safer” code to get cheaper rates if it does not match what you sell. This guide covers who assigns your code, why it affects fees and approvals, and how to get coded correctly, plus a searchable directory when you need to look one up.

Use MCC Lookup Tool

Merchant category codes (MCC) illustrated for card processing

Who assigns your MCC?

When you open a merchant account, underwriting assigns an MCC based on your application, website, processing history, and how you actually take payments. Your processor and acquiring bank are responsible for placing you in the correct category under card network rules.

Input

What you sell

Primary products/services matter more than your brand story. If you sell multiple lines, underwriting usually codes the dominant revenue activity.

Channel

How you bill

Card-present retail, ecommerce, subscriptions, and MOTO can change risk even inside similar categories.

History

Prior processing

Chargebacks, prior terminations, or high-risk verticals can push you toward specialist high-risk boarding under the same correct MCC.

Why your MCC affects money and approvals

Pricing

Processing fees

Higher-risk categories often mean higher markup, reserves, or stricter terms, even when interchange itself is set by the networks. Statement line items such as assessment fees and the Fixed Acquirer Network Fee (FANF) also change with category and volume.

Processing fees guide

Approvals

Issuer decline rates

Banks use MCC as a risk signal. The wrong code, or a high-scrutiny one without the right controls, can lower approval rates.

Stability

Account longevity

Mis-coding that hides risk can end in holds or MATCH placement when banks discover the real business model.

Controls

Fraud expectations

Elevated MCCs are expected to show stronger CNP controls, descriptors, and dispute handling from day one.

Fraud prevention guide

How to get coded correctly

  1. Describe the real business. Lead with what customers actually buy and how they pay, not aspirational branding.
  2. Match your website and statements. Underwriters compare your application to live offers, checkout, and billing descriptors.
  3. Flag subscriptions and delayed delivery. Continuity, trials, and long fulfillment cycles change risk even inside the same product category.
  4. Do not shop for a “safer” MCC. Incorrect coding is a compliance problem, not a pricing hack.
  5. Use a specialist when the category is elevated. A high-risk merchant account partner will board you under the correct code with terms you can survive.

Common high-scrutiny MCCs

These categories show up often in high-risk underwriting. Where Zen has an industry or solution page, it is linked from the card. For a narrative overview, also read high-risk MCC codes.

MCC 5816

Digital goods: games

Often scrutinized for card-not-present and chargeback risk.

Risk note: Commonly treated as elevated / high-risk.

Digital goods gateway

MCC 5968

Direct marketing: continuity / subscription

Common for membership and recurring billing models.

Risk note: Commonly treated as elevated / high-risk.

Subscription merchant accounts

MCC 5993

Cigar stores / tobacco

Frequently treated as higher risk depending on product mix.

Risk note: Commonly treated as elevated / high-risk.

Vape & e-cig accounts

MCC 5912

Drug stores / pharmacies

Also used for many nutraceutical and regulated product models.

Risk note: Commonly treated as elevated / high-risk.

Pharmacy merchant accounts

MCC 7995

Betting / casino gambling

Typically requires specialized high-risk processing partners.

Risk note: Commonly treated as elevated / high-risk.

Sports betting accounts

MCC 7273

Dating / escort services

Dating and adult-adjacent businesses often need high-risk accounts.

Risk note: Commonly treated as elevated / high-risk.

Online dating accounts

MCC code lookup

Filter by category or search by code/name. Linked codes and names open a related Zen guide or industry page when one is available. Official MCC definitions are standardized in ISO 18245; card networks and acquirers apply those codes in underwriting.

Showing 244 of 244 codes

CodeName

Veterinary services

Professional services

Animal care and veterinary practices.

General contractors: residential / commercial

Construction

Building and remodeling contractors.

Heating, plumbing, air conditioning

Construction

HVAC and related trade services.

Electrical contractors

Construction

Electrical installation and repair.

Miscellaneous publishing and printing

Business services

Publishers and print services.

Airlines (generic range start)

Travel

Airline MCCs are often carrier-specific; underwriting varies.

Car rental agencies

Travel

Vehicle rental merchants.

Hotels / motels / resorts

Travel

Lodging properties.

Local / suburban commuter transport

Transportation

Local passenger transportation.

Passenger railways

Transportation

Rail passenger services.

Taxicabs / limousines

Transportation

Taxi and limo services.

Bus lines

Transportation

Intercity and charter bus operators.

Motor freight carriers / trucking

Transportation

Freight and trucking businesses.

Courier services

Transportation

Package delivery and courier companies.

Steamship / cruise lines

Travel

Cruise and ocean passenger lines.

Airlines / air carriers

Travel

Air transportation merchants.

Travel agencies / tour operators

Travel

Agencies and tour packages.

Transportation services (not elsewhere classified)

Transportation

Other transportation services.

Telecommunication equipment

Telecom

Phone and telecom hardware sales.

Telecommunication services

Telecom

Phone, fax, and related services.

Computer network / information services

Digital / software

ISPs and network services.

Telegraph services

Telecom

Legacy telegraph and wire services.

4829Higher scrutiny

Money transfer / wire transfer

Financial

Often elevated risk and compliance review.

Cable / satellite / other pay TV

Media

Subscription TV and streaming-adjacent billing.

Utilities

Utilities

Electric, gas, water, sanitary services.

Motor vehicle supplies / new parts

Wholesale

Auto parts wholesalers.

Computers / peripherals / software

Wholesale

IT equipment wholesale.

Medical / dental / ophthalmic equipment

Wholesale

Healthcare equipment suppliers.

Electrical parts / equipment

Wholesale

Electrical component distributors.

Hardware equipment / supplies

Wholesale

Hardware wholesalers.

5094Higher scrutiny

Precious stones / metals / jewelry

Wholesale

Can attract elevated fraud scrutiny.

Stationery / office supplies

Wholesale

Office product distributors.

Drugs, drug proprietaries, druggists' sundries

Wholesale

Common underwriting category for CBD and similar product lines.

Piece goods / notions / dry goods

Wholesale

Textile and fabric wholesale.

Men's / women's / children's uniforms

Wholesale

Uniform suppliers.

Commercial footwear

Wholesale

Footwear wholesalers.

Books / periodicals / newspapers

Wholesale

Publishing wholesale.

Florists supplies / nursery stock

Wholesale

Nursery and florist wholesale.

Home supply warehouse stores

Retail

Large-format home improvement.

Lumber / building materials

Retail

Building materials stores.

Glass / paint / wallpaper stores

Retail

Paint and decorating retailers.

Hardware stores

Retail

Hardware retail.

Nurseries / lawn and garden

Retail

Garden centers.

Wholesale clubs

Retail

Membership warehouse clubs.

Discount stores

Retail

Discount general merchandise.

Department stores

Retail

Department store retail.

Variety stores

Retail

Variety / dollar-style retail.

Miscellaneous general merchandise

Retail

General merchandise not elsewhere classified.

Grocery stores / supermarkets

Retail

Food retail.

Freezer / meat provisioners

Retail

Specialty meat retailers.

Candy / nut / confectionery stores

Retail

Confectionery retail.

Dairy products stores

Retail

Dairy specialty retail.

Bakeries

Retail

Bakery retail.

Miscellaneous food stores

Retail

Specialty food retail.

Automobile / truck dealers: new / used

Automotive

Vehicle dealers.

Automotive tire stores

Automotive

Tire retailers.

Automotive parts / accessories

Automotive

Auto parts retail.

Service stations

Automotive

Fuel and service stations.

Automated fuel dispensers

Automotive

Pay-at-pump fuel.

Motorcycle shops / dealers

Automotive

Motorcycle sales and service.

Men's / boys' clothing

Retail

Menswear retail.

Women's ready-to-wear

Retail

Women's apparel.

Women's accessory / specialty

Retail

Accessories retail.

Children's / infants' wear

Retail

Children's clothing.

Family clothing stores

Retail

Family apparel.

Sports / riding apparel

Retail

Sportswear specialty.

Shoe stores

Retail

Footwear retail.

Furriers / fur shops

Retail

Fur apparel.

Men's / women's clothing stores

Retail

Mixed apparel retail.

Tailors / alterations / mending

Personal services

Alteration services.

Miscellaneous apparel / accessory

Retail

Other apparel retail.

Furniture / home furnishings

Retail

Furniture stores.

Floor covering stores

Retail

Carpet and flooring.

Drapery / window covering

Retail

Window treatments.

Fireplaces / fireplace screens

Retail

Fireplace specialty.

Miscellaneous home furnishing

Retail

Other home furnishings.

Household appliance stores

Retail

Appliance retail.

Electronics stores

Retail

Consumer electronics.

Music stores: instruments / pianos / sheet music

Retail

Music instrument retail.

Computer software stores

Retail

Software retail.

Record shops

Retail

Music media retail.

Caterers

Food service

Catering businesses.

Eating places / restaurants

Food service

Restaurants.

5813Higher scrutiny

Drinking places: bars / taverns / nightclubs

Food service

Bars and nightlife.

Fast food restaurants

Food service

QSR / fast food.

5815Higher scrutiny

Digital goods: media / books / movies / music

Digital / software

Digital content sales.

Digital goods: games

Digital / software

Often scrutinized for card-not-present and chargeback risk.

5817Higher scrutiny

Digital goods: applications (excludes games)

Digital / software

App and software downloads.

5818Higher scrutiny

Digital goods: large digital goods merchant

Digital / software

High-volume digital goods.

Drug stores / pharmacies

Health

Also used for many nutraceutical and regulated product models.

5921Higher scrutiny

Package stores: beer / wine / liquor

Retail

Alcohol retail; compliance varies by jurisdiction.

Used merchandise / secondhand stores

Retail

Resale and thrift.

Antique shops

Retail

Antique dealers.

5933Higher scrutiny

Pawn shops

Financial

Often elevated underwriting scrutiny.

Antique reproductions

Retail

Reproduction antique goods.

Bicycle shops

Retail

Bicycle sales and service.

Sporting goods stores

Retail

Includes many firearms retailers depending on assortment.

Book stores

Retail

Book retail.

Stationery / office / school supply

Retail

Office supply retail.

5944Higher scrutiny

Jewelry stores / watches / clocks / silverware

Retail

Jewelry retail; fraud scrutiny common.

Hobby / toy / game shops

Retail

Toys and hobbies.

Camera / photographic supply

Retail

Camera retail.

Gift / card / novelty / souvenir

Retail

Gift shops.

Luggage / leather goods

Retail

Luggage retail.

Sewing / needlework / piece goods / fabrics

Retail

Fabric and craft retail.

Glassware / crystal stores

Retail

Glassware specialty.

5960Higher scrutiny

Direct marketing: insurance services

Direct marketing

Insurance sold via direct marketing.

5962Higher scrutiny

Direct marketing: travel-related arrangement services

Direct marketing

Travel offers via outbound marketing.

5963Higher scrutiny

Door-to-door sales

Direct marketing

Door-to-door merchants.

5964Higher scrutiny

Direct marketing: catalog merchants

Direct marketing

Catalog mail-order.

5965Higher scrutiny

Direct marketing: combination catalog / retail

Direct marketing

Hybrid catalog and storefront.

5966Higher scrutiny

Direct marketing: outbound telemarketing

Direct marketing

Outbound telemarketing merchants.

Direct marketing: inbound teleservices

Direct marketing

Frequently used for adult products and high-risk digital offers.

Direct marketing: continuity / subscription

Direct marketing

Common for membership and recurring billing models.

5969Higher scrutiny

Direct marketing: other

Direct marketing

Other direct marketing models.

Artist supply / craft shops

Retail

Art supplies.

Art dealers / galleries

Retail

Art galleries.

Stamp / coin stores

Retail

Collectibles retail.

Religious goods stores

Retail

Religious products.

Hearing aids: sales / service

Health

Hearing aid merchants.

Orthopedic goods / prosthetic devices

Health

Orthopedic suppliers.

Cosmetic stores

Retail

Cosmetics retail.

Typewriter stores: sales / service / rental

Retail

Legacy office equipment.

Fuel dealers: oil / wood / coal / liquefied petroleum

Utilities

Fuel delivery dealers.

Florists

Retail

Flower shops.

Cigar stores / tobacco

Specialty retail

Frequently treated as higher risk depending on product mix.

News dealers / newsstands

Retail

Newsstands.

Pet shops / pet food / supplies

Retail

Pet retail.

Swimming pools: sales / service

Retail

Pool supplies and service.

Electric razor stores

Retail

Specialty electric razors.

Tent / awning shops

Retail

Tent and awning retail.

5999Higher scrutiny

Miscellaneous specialty retail

Retail

Catch-all specialty retail; underwriting depends on goods sold.

Financial institutions: manual cash disbursements

Financial

Bank cash disbursement.

Financial institutions: automated cash disbursements

Financial

ATM cash disbursement.

6012Higher scrutiny

Financial institutions: merchandise / services

Financial

Bank merchandise and services.

6051Higher scrutiny

Non-financial institutions: foreign currency / money orders / travelers cheques

Financial

Money services businesses.

6211Higher scrutiny

Security brokers / dealers

Financial

Brokerage services.

Insurance sales / underwriting / premiums

Financial

Insurance premium collection.

Real estate agents / managers: rentals

Professional services

Property rental management.

Lodging: hotels / motels / resorts

Travel

Lodging merchants.

Sporting / recreational camps

Travel

Camps and outdoor lodging.

Trailer parks / campgrounds

Travel

Campgrounds.

Laundry / cleaning / garment services

Personal services

Laundry services.

Laundry: family / commercial

Personal services

Laundromats and commercial laundry.

Dry cleaners

Personal services

Dry cleaning.

Photographic studios

Personal services

Photo studios.

Beauty / barber shops

Personal services

Salons and barbers.

Shoe repair / hat cleaning / shoe shine

Personal services

Shoe services.

Funeral services / crematories

Personal services

Funeral homes.

Dating / escort services

Personal services

Dating and adult-adjacent businesses often need high-risk accounts.

Tax preparation services

Professional services

Tax preparers.

Counseling services: debt / marriage / personal

Professional services

Often used for coaching and credit-repair adjacent models.

Buying / shopping services / clubs

Personal services

Shopping clubs.

Clothing rental

Personal services

Clothing rental.

7297Higher scrutiny

Massage parlors

Personal services

Elevated underwriting scrutiny common.

Health / beauty spas

Personal services

Spas and wellness.

7299Higher scrutiny

Miscellaneous personal services

Personal services

Catch-all personal services; risk depends on offer.

Advertising services

Business services

Agencies and media buying.

Consumer credit reporting agencies

Business services

Credit bureaus / reporting.

Commercial photography / art / graphics

Business services

Commercial creative services.

Quick copy / reproduction / blueprint

Business services

Copy centers.

Stenographic / secretarial support

Business services

Office support services.

Exterminating / disinfecting services

Business services

Pest control.

Cleaning / maintenance / janitorial

Business services

Janitorial services.

Employment agencies / temporary help

Business services

Staffing firms.

Computer programming / data processing / system design

Digital / software

Software and IT services.

Information retrieval services

Digital / software

Data / information services.

Computer maintenance / repair / services

Digital / software

Computer repair.

Management / consulting / public relations

Professional services

Consulting firms.

Detective agencies / protective services / security

Business services

Security services.

Equipment / furniture / tool rental / leasing

Business services

Equipment rental.

Photofinishing laboratories

Business services

Photo finishing.

Business services (not elsewhere classified)

Business services

Catch-all B2B services.

Automobile rental agency

Travel

Car rental.

Truck / utility trailer rentals

Travel

Truck rental.

Motor home / recreational vehicle rentals

Travel

RV rental.

Parking lots / garages

Automotive

Parking operators.

Automotive body repair shops

Automotive

Body shops.

Tire retreading / repair shops

Automotive

Tire service.

Automotive paint shops

Automotive

Auto paint.

Automotive service shops

Automotive

General auto repair.

Car washes

Automotive

Car wash businesses.

Towing services

Automotive

Towing.

Electronics repair shops

Repair

Electronics repair.

Air conditioning / refrigeration repair

Repair

HVAC repair.

Electrical / small appliance repair

Repair

Appliance repair.

Watch / clock / jewelry repair

Repair

Jewelry repair.

Furniture: reupholstery / repair / refinishing

Repair

Furniture repair.

Welding services

Repair

Welding shops.

Miscellaneous repair shops

Repair

Other repair services.

Motion picture / video tape production / distribution

Media

Film and video production.

Motion picture theaters

Media

Movie theaters.

Video tape rental stores

Media

Legacy video rental.

Dance halls / studios / schools

Entertainment

Dance studios.

7922Higher scrutiny

Theatrical producers / ticket agencies

Entertainment

Live events and ticketing.

Bands / orchestras / entertainers

Entertainment

Performers and entertainment acts.

Billiard / pool establishments

Entertainment

Pool halls.

Bowling alleys

Entertainment

Bowling centers.

Commercial sports / athletic fields / clubs

Entertainment

Sports clubs and venues.

Tourist attractions / exhibits

Entertainment

Attractions.

Golf courses: public

Entertainment

Public golf.

Video amusement game supplies

Entertainment

Amusement game suppliers.

Video game arcades / establishments

Entertainment

Arcades.

Betting / casino gambling

Gaming

Typically requires specialized high-risk processing partners.

Amusement parks / circuses / carnivals / fortune tellers

Entertainment

Amusement operators.

Membership clubs: sports / recreation / athletic

Entertainment

Membership recreation clubs.

Aquariums / seaquariums / dolphinariums

Entertainment

Aquariums.

Recreation services (not elsewhere classified)

Entertainment

Other recreation.

Doctors / physicians

Health

Physician practices.

Dentists / orthodontists

Health

Dental practices.

Osteopaths

Health

Osteopathic physicians.

Chiropractors

Health

Chiropractic offices.

Optometrists / ophthalmologists

Health

Eye care professionals.

Opticians / eyeglasses / contact lenses

Health

Optical retail.

Podiatrists / chiropodists

Health

Podiatry.

Nursing / personal care facilities

Health

Care facilities.

Hospitals

Health

Hospital systems.

Medical / dental laboratories

Health

Labs.

Medical services / health practitioners (NEC)

Health

Other health practitioners; often telehealth. See our MCC 8099 deep dive for medical businesses.

Legal services / attorneys

Professional services

Law firms.

Elementary / secondary schools

Education

K-12 schools.

Colleges / universities / professional schools

Education

Higher education.

Correspondence schools

Education

Distance education.

Business / secretarial schools

Education

Business schools.

Trade / vocational schools

Education

Trade schools.

Schools / educational services (NEC)

Education

Other education providers.

Child care services

Education

Daycare and child care.

Charitable / social service organizations

Nonprofit

Charities and social services.

Civic / social / fraternal associations

Nonprofit

Associations and clubs.

8651Higher scrutiny

Political organizations

Nonprofit

Political groups; elevated scrutiny common.

Religious organizations

Nonprofit

Churches and religious orgs.

Automobile associations

Nonprofit

Auto clubs.

Membership organizations (NEC)

Nonprofit

Other membership orgs.

Testing laboratories (non-medical)

Business services

Commercial labs.

Architectural / engineering / surveying

Professional services

A/E firms.

Accounting / auditing / bookkeeping

Professional services

Accounting firms.

Professional services (NEC)

Professional services

Catch-all professional services.

Court costs / including alimony / child support

Government

Court-related payments.

Fines

Government

Government fines.

9223Higher scrutiny

Bail and bond payments

Government

Bail bonds; elevated risk.

Tax payments

Government

Tax payments to government.

Government services (NEC)

Government

Other government services.

Postal services: government only

Government

Government postal services.

Intra-government purchases

Government

Government purchasing.

Guide FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about merchant category codes, underwriting, and getting coded correctly.

Not really. You can accurately describe your business, but underwriting assigns the code. Asking for a mismatched “easier” MCC is how merchants get into trouble later.

Processors usually code the primary revenue activity. If a secondary line is material and higher risk, disclose it. Banks prefer honesty over surprises after boarding.

No. Card mix, entry method, volume, chargeback history, and processor markup all matter. MCC is a major risk signal inside that mix. See processing fees.

Gather your termination reason, current offer, and processing history, then work with a specialist high-risk partner who will re-board you under the correct category with transparent reserves and monitoring.

Still have questions? Contact our support team

Board under the right code

Tell us what you sell and how you bill. We will help place your merchant account with partners who understand your MCC. Call 877-715-4501 or fill out the form to get started.

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MCC Code Lookup for Merchants - Zen Payments