MCC High Risk

Merchant Category CodeMCC MCCs are determined by card networks like Visa, MasterCard and American Express, who use it to decide how much to charge the businesses for accepting credit card payments (interchange fee). MCC Codes (or merchant category codes) are assigned to merchant accounts during the set up process and are used to differentiate between types of business & industries. Each industry has different transaction patterns and differing levels of risk (potential for fraud). MCC codes are used by issuing bank to determine if they will except the transaction. For example online gambling is only permitted in the states of Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada. The code 7995 can be used to prevent transactions coming from states that don’t allow online gaming. MCC codes can also effect the merchants processing rates. An improper classification could cause a merchant to pay higher than necessary processing fees. The are approximately 500 different MCC Codes used by Visa and it is important for a merchant to make sure they are assigned to the appropriate code.   Here is a handy list of all MCCs (MCCMCC MCCs are determined by card networks like Visa, MasterCard and American Express, who use it to decide how much to charge the businesses for accepting credit card payments (interchange fee). MCC Codes (or merchant category codes) are assigned to merchant accounts during the set up process and are used to differentiate between types of business & industries. Each industry has different transaction patterns and differing levels of risk (potential for fraud). MCC codes are used by issuing bank to determine if they will except the transaction. For example online gambling is only permitted in the states of Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada. The code 7995 can be used to prevent transactions coming from states that don’t allow online gaming. MCC codes can also effect the merchants processing rates. An improper classification could cause a merchant to pay higher than necessary processing fees. The are approximately 500 different MCC Codes used by Visa and it is important for a merchant to make sure they are assigned to the appropriate code.   Here is a handy list of all MCCs) is a four-digit number identifying the business classification depending on what type of products or services are provided by the merchant company. Here’s 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 in red – registration is required with Card Associations.

4722 Travel Agencies and Tour OperatorsTravel arrangements, tours, charters

4812 Telecom Sales and EquipmentTelecommunication devices

4814 Telecom ServicesTelecommunication services

4816 Computer Network ServicesInternet 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 – CatalogMail and telephone orders

5966 Direct Marketing – OutboundMail and telephone orders

5967 Direct Marketing – Inbound

5967 Direct Marketing – InboundTelesevices, audio & videotext

5968 Direct Marketing – SubscriptionRecurring subscriptions

5969 Direct Marketing – OtherRadio and TV sales

5993 Cigars, TobaccoIncludes stands

7021 TimesharesRentals, leases and sales

7273 Adult Dating and EscortVarious dating services

7841 Video Tape Rental StoresAdult content

7922 Ticketing AgenciesSecondary ticketing

7994 Video Games and ArcadesSkill Games requires registration

7995 Betting and Casino GamblingOnline casino, lottery, wagers

9399 Government ServicesState Lottery Requires Registration

here are the Visa and Master MCC codes