MCC Code Lookup

Search the common 4-digit Merchant Category Codes and see what each one means — the category that drives your processing fees, card rewards and reporting. Free, nothing stored.

Good to know: MCCs are assigned by the acquiring bank and are updated over time. This is a quick reference of common codes, not the full ISO 18245 list — confirm a specific code with your processor for fees or rewards decisions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an MCC (Merchant Category Code)?

An MCC is a 4-digit code the card networks assign to a business to describe what it sells — for example 5812 is restaurants and 5541 is gas stations. It is set when the merchant account is opened and travels with every transaction.

Why does the MCC matter?

MCCs drive a lot behind the scenes: interchange rates (and therefore your fees), card rewards (e.g. bonus points at “restaurants” or “gas”), tax reporting, and whether certain cards or spending controls allow a purchase. The same product can cost a cardholder different rewards depending on the merchant’s MCC.

Can a business change its MCC?

The MCC is assigned by the acquiring bank/processor based on the business type, not chosen freely by the merchant. If it is clearly wrong you can ask your processor to review it, but you cannot simply pick a different one to get better rates or rewards.

How do I find a merchant’s MCC?

There is no public master directory of every merchant’s MCC, but you can often tell the category from your card statement or rewards activity, and look the code up here to see what it means. Search a 4-digit code or a keyword above.

Does this tool store my searches?

No. The reference runs entirely in your browser and nothing you type is sent anywhere.