Merchant Category Code (MCC)

A Merchant Category Code (MCC) is a four-digit number assigned to businesses by credit card companies and financial institutions to categorize the type of products or services they offer. The MCC is used to classify merchants based on the nature of their business and the types of transactions they typically conduct. It assists in streamlining transaction processing and allows financial institutions to apply specific rules and regulations based on the merchant’s industry. MCCs play a crucial role in various aspects of the payment ecosystem, including transaction monitoring, risk management, and the implementation of targeted rewards programs for specific merchant categories.

To access descriptions of the various MCCs, visit Visa’s merchant data standards and Mastercard’s booklet.