What Are Visa MCC Codes?
Visa MCC codes are 4-digit Merchant Category Codes that Visa uses to classify every merchant that accepts Visa cards. Standardized under ISO 18245, these codes determine interchange fees and which credit card reward categories apply to each purchase.
When you make a purchase with a Visa card, the merchant's MCC code is transmitted along with the transaction. Your bank then uses this code to decide whether the purchase qualifies for bonus rewards, cash back, or points under your card's reward program.
Visa MCC Code Ranges
Visa organizes its MCC codes into ranges corresponding to broad merchant categories. Below is a summary of the major Visa MCC code ranges:
| Range | Category | Example MCC Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 3000–3299 | Airlines | MCC 3000, MCC 3059, MCC 3210 |
| 3501–3999 | Lodging | MCC 3501, MCC 3504, MCC 3610 |
| 4011–4789 | Transportation | MCC 4011, MCC 4411, MCC 4511, MCC 4784 |
| 5013–5399 | Retail | MCC 5200, MCC 5300, MCC 5311, MCC 5399 |
| 5400–5499 | Food & Grocery | MCC 5411, MCC 5441, MCC 5499 |
| 5511–5599 | Gas & Automotive | MCC 5541, MCC 5542, MCC 5599 |
| 5811–5814 | Restaurants & Dining | MCC 5812, MCC 5814 |
| 6010–6529 | Financial Services | MCC 6010, MCC 6011, MCC 6051 |
| 7011–8999 | Professional Services | MCC 7011, MCC 7311, MCC 8011 |
How Visa Uses MCC Codes for Interchange
Visa uses MCC codes to set interchange fees — the fees merchants pay to accept Visa cards. Different MCC codes carry different interchange rates:
- Higher interchange: Categories like restaurants, airlines, and hotels typically have higher interchange rates, meaning merchants pay more per transaction.
- Lower interchange: Supermarkets, gas stations, and certain government services often have lower interchange rates.
- Reward categories: Visa's MCC codes also determine which purchases qualify for credit card bonus categories. A card offering 3x on dining will only trigger bonus rewards when the merchant MCC is 5812 or 5814.
Common Visa MCC Codes for Rewards
These are the most frequently searched Visa MCC codes for credit card rewards optimization:
Last Updated: May 2026 | This guide reflects current Visa MCC codes and credit card reward structures as of May 2026. MCC code assignments may vary by merchant and are subject to change.