MCC Code Generator

Category: Other Finance
- April 08, 2025
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Search and filter Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) used by payment brands to classify merchants and businesses.

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MCC Code Description Valid Payment Brand(s)
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About Merchant Category Codes

Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) are four-digit numbers used by payment brands to classify merchants and businesses by the type of goods or services provided. Payment brands, issuers, and acquirers use MCCs to categorize, track, and restrict transactions.

MCCs can be used for:

  • Tax reporting
  • Interchange promotion
  • Gathering information about cardholder purchasing behavior

Often, MCCs are recognized by all payment brands; however, not all codes are recognized by all brands. Payment brands frequently add, eliminate, or change the codes with regularly-scheduled enhancements.

This tool provides information about Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) as described in the Citibank MCC documentation.

Data source: Citibank Treasury and Trade Solutions.

What Is the MCC Code Generator?

The MCC Code Generator is a practical tool that allows users to search, filter, and explore Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) used by major payment brands like Visa, MasterCard, and TSYS. These codes help identify the type of goods or services provided by a merchant and are essential for categorizing and managing financial transactions.

This tool simplifies the process of finding the correct MCC code for a business or transaction. Whether you're conducting business analysis, preparing tax reports, or trying to understand card charges, this tool helps you find relevant MCC information quickly and efficiently.

How to Use the MCC Code Generator

Follow these steps to make the most of the tool:

  • Use the Search box to enter keywords or specific MCC codes.
  • Filter results by category such as Airlines, Retail, or Professional Services.
  • Refine your results by payment brand (Visa, MasterCard, TSYS) if needed.
  • Adjust how many items you want to see per page using the Items per page dropdown.
  • Sort the results by MCC Code, Description, or Payment Brand using the sorting options provided.

Why MCC Codes Matter

MCCs influence how transactions are processed, reported, and analyzed. They play a role in several financial areas, including:

  • Tax reporting: Certain MCCs trigger IRS reporting or specific tax benefits.
  • Spending analysis: Card issuers use MCCs to break down customer spending into categories.
  • Card rewards: Some credit card rewards depend on MCC classifications like groceries or travel.
  • Compliance and risk: Businesses are screened and classified using MCCs for risk management.

Who Can Benefit from This Tool?

The MCC Code Generator can be helpful for a wide range of users, including:

  • Merchants: Ensure you're using the correct MCC for your industry to avoid misclassification.
  • Accountants and tax professionals: Look up MCCs for tax reporting or compliance checks.
  • Developers and analysts: Integrate MCC data into reports or financial tools like a loan repayment tool, credit card calculator, or monthly payment tool.
  • Consumers: Understand how your purchases are categorized by payment brands.

Formula Reference (Sample Use Case)

While the MCC Code Generator itself doesn't perform mathematical calculations, its output can be used in various financial estimators. Here's an example of how an MCC classification might feed into another tool:

\[ \text{Monthly Payment} = \frac{P \times r(1+r)^n}{(1+r)^n - 1} \]

This is commonly used in a loan interest estimator or monthly loan payments calculator, where:

  • P = Principal loan amount
  • r = Monthly interest rate
  • n = Total number of payments

Knowing the MCC of a purchase can help categorize the expense in tools like a budget calculator, credit card repayment plan, or borrow cost analysis.

FAQs

What is an MCC code?

An MCC code is a four-digit number assigned to a business based on the type of goods or services it offers. These are used by credit card networks to classify merchants.

How often are MCC codes updated?

MCC codes are reviewed and updated periodically by payment brands. New codes may be introduced, and old ones may be removed or reclassified.

Are MCC codes the same across all card networks?

Many MCC codes are recognized across multiple networks, but not all. The tool allows filtering by Visa, MasterCard, and TSYS to help identify compatibility.

Can MCC codes impact taxes or accounting?

Yes. For example, some MCCs are flagged for IRS reporting, and others may affect eligibility for tax deductions or business expense tracking.

Can I use this tool to estimate payments?

Indirectly, yes. While this tool does not calculate payments directly, you can combine MCC insights with a payment breakdown, loan affordability check, or budget planning tool to evaluate spending.

Conclusion

The MCC Code Generator is a practical utility for anyone needing to find, understand, or apply Merchant Category Codes. From helping businesses stay compliant to assisting consumers in better understanding their statements, it's a valuable resource. When combined with financial tools like a VAT breakdown estimator, commission calculator, or monthly loan payment tool, MCC data becomes even more useful for smarter financial planning.