MCC stands for a Merchant Category Code, a four-digit number identifying the business classification depending on what type of products or services are provided by the merchant company. Below we have compiled a list of typical categories which acquirers and payment providers treat as high risk, imposing stricter approval terms and higher processing fees.
Listed categories are known to generate higher chargeback disputes and fraud, as well as raise overall brand reputation risks. In addition there are specific MCC types for which the Card Associations (Visa, MasterCard) have established regulations by which the merchant has to be registered with them for the purpose of risk monitoring.
MCC Code
Category
Description
4722
Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
Travel arrangements, tours, charters
4812
Telecom Sales and Equipment
Telecommunication devices
4814
Telecom Services
Telecommunication services
4816
Computer Network Services
Internet service providers
4829
Wire Transfers and Money Orders
5122
Drugs, Proprietaries & Sundries
5912
Drug Stores and Pharmacies
5962
Direct Marketing - Travel
Includes discount clubs
5964
Direct Marketing - Catalog
Mail and telephone orders
5966
Direct Marketing - Outbound
Mail and telephone orders
5967
Direct Marketing - Inbound
Adult content merchants
5967
Direct Marketing - Inbound
Telesevices, audio & videotext
5968
Direct Marketing - Subscription
Recurring subscriptions
5969
Direct Marketing - Other
Radio and TV sales
5993
Cigars, Tobacco
Includes stands
7021
Timeshares
Rentals, leases and sales
7273
Dating and Escort
Various dating services
7841
Video Tape Rental Stores
Adult content
7922
Ticketing Agencies
Secondary ticketing
7994
Video Games and Arcades
Skill Games requires registration
7995
Betting and Casino Gambling
Online casino, lottery, wagers
9399
Government Services
State Lottery Requires Registration