MCC Codes India (2025–26): Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, Amazon and Every Merchant Category Code

• September 23, 2025

Last updated on Sep 26, 2026

What MCC do Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Amazon use? Look up 180+ Indian merchants, see which codes banks exclude, and what MCC 4722 means. Updated Sep 2026.

Guides

Too busy to read endless reviews & research?

Find the best cards that suit your lifestyle in 30 seconds

Try Monzy Now

No signup or email required

I was reading a bunch of Reddit threads where people were confused about missing cashback, rewards not getting credited, milestone spends not counting, and almost every answer boiled down to the same thing: wrong MCC code or ineligibility of specific MCC codes in the T&C of cashback rewards.

A merchant category code (MCC) is a four-digit number that tells your bank what kind of business you paid. The code comes from the international standard ISO 18245, and Visa, Mastercard and RuPay all use it. The shop doesn't get to pick its own code, because the merchant's acquiring bank or payment gateway assigns it when the merchant signs up to accept cards.

Your bank never reads "Zepto" or "Zomato" when it calculates rewards. It reads a code like 5411 or 5812 instead. That code decides whether you earn 5%, 1% or nothing, whether the spend counts towards a milestone, and whether a fee gets added. Find your merchant in the lookup table, then check the category section to see how banks usually treat that code.

MCC codes for popular Indian brands

These are the codes cardholders most often see on statements and OTP screens for each brand. Many brands run more than one code, because different parts of the business (groceries, wallet loads, gift cards, bill payments) go through different payment accounts.

🚨 Codes can change without notice when a merchant switches payment gateway, so treat this as a strong starting point, not a guarantee.

Can't find your brand here? Search it by name in Monzy's MCC checker.

Brand	MCC(s) seen	What the code means	Reward watch-out
Blinkit	5411 (also 5499, 5732, 6540)	Grocery stores; electronics orders can post as 5732	5411 earns nothing on BOBCARD and only the base rate on some online-cashback cards
Zepto	5411 (also 5499, 5399)	Grocery stores	Same as Blinkit: check whether your card rewards 5411
Swiggy Instamart	5411, 5812, 5814	Grocery or restaurant, depending on payment route	Card bonuses tied to the Swiggy app apply whatever the code
BigBasket	5411	Grocery stores	Earns the grocery bonus on cards that include 5411
JioMart	5499	Misc. food stores	Hyperlocal and standard orders can post under different merchant names
DMart (dmart.in)	5411, 5311	Grocery / department stores	Treated as grocery on most cards
Zomato (food orders)	5812, 5814, 5499	Restaurants / fast food	No Zomato-only MCC; dining bonuses usually apply
Swiggy (food orders)	5812, 5814, 5499	Restaurants / fast food	Dining bonuses usually apply
District by Zomato	5812	Restaurants	Counts as dining
Domino's	5499	Misc. food stores	May miss a dining bonus that only covers 5812/5814
McDonald's, Burger King	5814	Fast food restaurants	Counts as dining on most cards
Amazon (shopping)	5399 (also 5699)	General merchandise / apparel	Normal online spend
Amazon Pay balance load	6540 (sometimes 5262)	Wallet load	Excluded on most cards
Amazon gift cards	5947	Gift shops	Excluded on SBI Cashback and Swiggy HDFC
Amazon bill payments	4900	Utilities	Often excluded or paid at a reduced rate
Flipkart	5399 (also 5411, 5942, 4900, 6012)	General merchandise; books as 5942	Book orders on 5942 can miss cashback
Myntra	5699	Misc. apparel	Usually earns; in Swiggy HDFC’s 5% apparel category
Ajio	5651, 5699	Clothing stores	Usually earns
Nykaa	5977	Cosmetic stores	Usually earns
Meesho	5310	Discount stores	Usually earns
MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Yatra	4722	Travel agencies	Counts as travel on most cards, not as airline or hotel
ixigo, Airbnb	4722, 7011	Travel agency / lodging	Code depends on what you book
Cleartrip	4131, 7011	Bus lines / lodging	Bus bookings may earn only the base rate
IRCTC	4112 (also 4722)	Passenger railways	4112 is excluded on SBI Cashback and charged a fee on Kotak
IndiGo, AirAsia	4511	Airlines	Counts as airline travel
Air India	3020	Air India’s own airline code	Counts as airline travel
Uber	4121, 7512	Taxis / car rental	Usually earns
Ola, Rapido	4121	Taxis	Usually earns
HP Pay	5541	Petrol pumps	Fuel: excluded on most cards
ParkPlus	4784	Tolls and bridge fees	Excluded or charged a fee on some cards
Airtel, Jio	4814, 4900	Telecom / utilities	Often excluded or reduced
Vi, BSNL	4900	Utilities	Often excluded or reduced
Netflix	4899	Pay TV	4899 sits in SBI Cashback’s and Kotak’s utility lists
Spotify	5815	Digital media	Usually earns
Google Play	5816	Digital goods: games	Gaming code, excluded on some cards
BookMyShow, PVR	7832	Cinemas	Usually earns
PhonePe	6540, 9399, 4814	Wallet / government / telecom	Wallet loads excluded on most cards
MobiKwik	6540, 4900	Wallet / utilities	Wallet loads excluded on most cards
LIC	6300	Insurance premiums	Excluded on many cards
Tanishq, Ethos Watches	5944	Jewellery stores	Excluded on SBI Cashback and Swiggy HDFC
Lenskart	8043	Opticians	Usually earns
Apollo	8099	Medical services	Usually earns
PharmEasy	5411	Grocery stores	Can earn a grocery bonus
MedPlus	7298	Health and beauty	Usually earns
Urban Company	7349	Cleaning and maintenance	Usually earns
Meta (Facebook) Ads	7311	Advertising	Excluded from cashback on some HDFC products
Google Ads	7399	Business services	Usually earns
CRED	5399, 5812	Varies by payment type	Depends on what you’re paying for

Sources: member-reported codes from the TechnoFino merchant MCC thread, cross-checked against CardExpress's MCC lookup, CaptainTorch's merchant guides and published bank terms (linked in the sections below). Checked 26 September 2026.

Why the MCC decides whether you get cashback

Most people who miss cashback assume the bank made a mistake. Usually the bank did exactly what its terms say. The terms just talk in MCCs, and the app you paid on never tells you which one it used.

Wrong MCC code can cost you thousands, if not more, especially in case of high-ticket spends. A user on Reddit shared his experience of losing rewards + extra fee due to wrong MCC code.

Got charged 1% extra on my HDFC Tata Neu Infinity card while buying a car... tagged as “fuel transaction” 😑 byu/Apprehensive_Half147 inCreditCardsIndia

Let’s take an example from the Swiggy HDFC credit card. Cardholders ordering on Zepto and dmart.in found both posted under MCC 5411. It wasn't in the card's 5% online list, so they earned 1%. On ₹6,000 a month of quick-commerce orders, that's ₹60 back instead of ₹300. Over a year, you lose ₹2,880 just because of MCC mismatch.

Banks use the MCC against you in four ways:

The bluntest is a full exclusion, where the code earns nothing at all. Fuel, rent, wallet loads and government payments are the usual ones.
The second is a reduced rate. The code still earns, but at the base rate instead of the accelerated headline rate. Grocery code 5411 on a card whose bonus list leaves it out is the classic case.
The third catches people during fee-waiver season. The spend earns nothing and also doesn't count towards your milestone or annual fee waiver. Kotak's current list excludes insurance and government MCCs from rewards, milestones and fee waivers alike.
The fourth is an extra fee. Kotak charges a transaction fee above set spend thresholds on utility, wallet, rent, fuel, education, gaming, railway and toll MCCs.

The fix isn't to memorise codes, but to check the code once for the merchants where you spend the most. Then pick a card whose bonus list includes those codes. Our reward points vs cashback guide walks through how to compare cards on that basis.

Always Test the MCC Before Large Spending: Try swiping ₹100–₹200 first and seeing the MCC on your statement. Check the MCC by calling your bank or checking your card app (IDFC First app shows MCC directly). Only proceed if the MCC matches the expected category.

MCC codes Indian banks commonly exclude from rewards

These are the codes that show up again and again in Indian card terms. If your transaction lands on one of them, expect no rewards unless your card's terms say otherwise.

Category	MCCs	Excluded or charged by (examples)
Fuel	5172, 5541, 5542, 5983	Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK, Kotak (fee), 146 of 176 cards in our database
Rent	6513	Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK, Kotak (fee and no rewards)
Wallet loads	6540	Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK, Kotak (fee and no rewards)
Government and tax	9211, 9222, 9223, 9311, 9399, 9402, 9405, 9950	Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK, Kotak
Insurance	5960, 6300, 6381	SBI Cashback, Kotak
Utilities and telecom	4814, 4816, 4899, 4900	SBI Cashback, Kotak (fee)
Education	8211, 8220, 8241, 8244, 8249, 8299 (SBI also 8351, 5111, 5192, 5942, 5943)	SBI Cashback, Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK, Kotak
Jewellery	5094, 5944 (SBI also 5051, 7631)	SBI Cashback, Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK
Gift cards	5947	SBI Cashback, Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK
Online gaming	5816	Swiggy HDFC Ornge/BLCK, Kotak (fee)
Railways	4011, 4111, 4112	SBI Cashback, Kotak (fee)
Tolls	4784	Kotak (fee)
Quasi-cash and financial	6011, 6012, 6051	SBI Cashback

Codes taken from SBI Card's Cashback revision notice, Kotak's MCC list and HDFC's combined Swiggy Ornge and BLCK terms. Your own card's MITC document is the final word.

MCC codes for grocery and quick commerce

Grocery is where MCC confusion costs Indian cardholders the most, because the same basket can post under three different codes depending on the app and the payment route.

MCC	What it covers	Indian merchants seen here	Reward watch-out
5411	Grocery stores and supermarkets	Amazon, Amul Shop, BigBasket, Blinkit, DMart, Flipkart	Grocery: bonus on grocery cards, base or zero on some
5499	Misc. food stores and convenience stores	Cult.fit, Domino's, EatSure, JioMart, Magicpin, Mojo Pizza	Usually earns (check your card)
5399	Misc. general merchandise	Amazon, CRED, Dhani, Flipkart, Magzter, Maximize Money	Usually earns (check your card)
5310	Discount stores	Meesho, Zingoy	Usually earns (check your card)
5311	Department stores	Bajaj Finserv, Canara Setu, DMart, Zudio	Usually earns (check your card)
5331	Variety stores	IGP	Usually earns (check your card)
5422	Meat provisioners	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5441	Candy, nut and confectionery stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5451	Dairy products stores	Amul Shop	Usually earns (check your card)
5462	Bakeries	–	Usually earns (check your card)

Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart: which code they use

Blinkit and Zepto most often post under MCC 5411 (grocery stores and supermarkets). Cardholders have also reported 5499 (misc. food stores) for both, and Blinkit has shown 5732 (electronics) on electronics orders and 6540 on wallet-style payments.

Swiggy Instamart has been reported under MCCs 5411, 5812 and 5814, because some Instamart payments run through Swiggy's food-delivery account.

And the 5411 code is treated very differently across cards. BOBCARD stopped giving rewards on MCC 5411 from 15 July 2024, and the original Swiggy HDFC card paid only 1% on it. Meanwhile, cards with a grocery bonus reward it. HSBC Live+ pays 10% on grocery, dining and food delivery, subject to a monthly cap of ₹1,200.

MCC 5399: miscellaneous general merchandise

MCC 5399 is a catch-all for stores selling a wide mix of goods. Amazon's main shopping account and Flipkart both use it, and Zepto has been seen on it too. Most cards treat 5399 as normal online or retail spend, which is good news: it's rarely on an exclusion list.

MCC codes for food delivery and restaurants

MCC	What it covers	Indian merchants seen here	Reward watch-out
5812	Eating places and restaurants	Baskin Robbins, Costa Coffee, CRED, District by Zomato, EazyDiner, Swiggy	Usually earns (check your card)
5814	Fast food restaurants	Burger King, McDonald's, Sailors Cafe, Swiggy, Swiggy Instamart, Zomato	Usually earns (check your card)
5811	Caterers	EatSure, Faasos	Usually earns (check your card)
5813	Bars and pubs	–	Usually earns (check your card)

Zomato and Swiggy don't have a code of their own. Food orders post under restaurant codes, usually 5812 (eating places and restaurants) or 5814 (fast food), and sometimes 5499. That's why a card with a "dining" bonus usually rewards food delivery too.

Some cards reward Swiggy and Zomato by merchant name rather than MCC. The Axis ACE card gives 4% on Swiggy and Zomato, capped at ₹500 a month, and Swiggy HDFC pays 10% only on the Swiggy app. For those bonuses, the code doesn't matter as long as the payment is made to that merchant directly.

MCC codes for online shopping and marketplaces

MCC	What it covers	Indian merchants seen here	Reward watch-out
5262	Marketplaces	Amazon, Giverly Wallet	Usually earns (check your card)
5399	Misc. general merchandise	Amazon, CRED, Dhani, Flipkart, Magzter, Maximize Money	Usually earns (check your card)
5310	Discount stores	Meesho, Zingoy	Usually earns (check your card)
5311	Department stores	Bajaj Finserv, Canara Setu, DMart, Zudio	Usually earns (check your card)
5977	Cosmetic stores	Macaroon, Nykaa, Tira	Usually earns (check your card)
5732	Electronics stores	Apple, Blinkit, Lenovo	Usually earns (check your card)
5722	Household appliance stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5712	Furniture and home furnishings	IKEA	Usually earns (check your card)
5942	Book stores	Flipkart	Usually earns (check your card)
5947	Gift, card and souvenir shops	Amazon, Gyftr, Magicpin, Pineperks	Often excluded (gift cards)
5964	Direct marketing: catalogue merchant	Ali Express	Usually earns (check your card)
5965	Direct marketing: catalogue and retail	Steam	Usually earns (check your card)
5968	Direct marketing: subscription merchant	Easebuzz, Google Drive	Usually earns (check your card)

MCC 5262: marketplaces

MCC 5262 is the card-network code for marketplaces, meaning platforms that sell on behalf of many third-party sellers. Visa lists it as "Marketplaces". Amazon and Flipkart, however, mostly post under 5399. 5262 appears mainly on certain Amazon Pay transactions and wallet-style platforms.

As for the exclusions, we didn’t find the 5262 code on the SBI Cashback, Kotak or Swiggy HDFC exclusion lists that we checked, so a 5262 transaction normally earns your credit card's online or base rate.

Amazon and Flipkart: why one order earns and another doesn't

Amazon uses at least six codes in India. Regular shopping posts as 5399 (sometimes 5699 for fashion), Amazon Pay balance loads post as 6540, gift cards as 5947, and bill payments as 4900.

So "I shopped on Amazon" can mean a full-reward transaction or a zero-reward one. Wallet loads (6540) and gift cards (5947) are the two most commonly excluded. On Flipkart, members have reported book orders posting as 5942, which some cashback cards exclude.

MCC codes for clothing and footwear

Fashion brands mostly post under the 56xx apparel codes. Myntra, Zara and H&M use 5699, Ajio uses 5651 or 5699, and Bata uses 5661. These codes are rarely excluded, and on some cards (Swiggy HDFC's 5% list, for example) they qualify for a bonus.

MCC	Description
5611	Men’s and Boys’ Clothing and Accessories Stores
5621	Women’s Ready to Wear Stores
5631	Women’s Accessory and Specialty Stores
5641	Children’s and Infants’ Wear Stores
5651	Family Clothing Stores
5655	Sports Apparel, and Riding Apparel Stores
5661	Shoe Stores
5681	Furriers and Fur Shops
5691	Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores
5697	Alterations, Mending, Seamstresses, Tailors
5698	Wig and Toupee Shops
5699	Accessory and Apparel Stores–Miscellaneous

MCC codes for general retail and wholesale

This covers everything from hardware and paint shops to car dealers, wholesale clubs and duty-free stores. Most of these codes earn your card's base rate. The exceptions are the fuel codes (5172, 5541, 5542) and jewellery wholesale (5094), which sit on many exclusion lists.

MCC	What it covers	Indian merchants seen here	Reward watch-out
5013	Motor vehicle supplies	Ebixcash	Usually earns (check your card)
5021	Office and Commercial Furniture	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5039	Construction Materials Not Elsewhere Classified	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5044	Office, Photographic, Photocopy and Microfilm Equipment	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5045	Computers and software	Gim Info Solutions	Usually earns (check your card)
5046	Commercial equipment	JSB Wellness	Usually earns (check your card)
5047	Medical and hospital equipment	LIKHITHA DIAGNOSTICS	Usually earns (check your card)
5051	Metal Service Centers and Offices	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5065	Electrical Parts and Equipment	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5072	Hardware Equipment and Supplies	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5074	Plumbing and Heating Equipment	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5085	Industrial Supplies Not Elsewhere Classified	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5094	Precious stones, metals and jewellery (wholesale)	Kushals	Often excluded (jewellery)
5099	Durable Goods Not Elsewhere Classified	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5111	Stationery, Office Supplies, Printing and Writing Paper	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5122	Drugs and druggist sundries (wholesale)	MrMed	Usually earns (check your card)
5131	Piece Goods, Notions, and Other Dry Goods	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5137	Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Uniforms and Commercial Clothing	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5139	Commercial Footware	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5169	Chemicals and Allied Products Not Elsewhere Classified	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5172	Petroleum and petroleum products	–	Often excluded (fuel)
5192	Books, Periodicals and Newspapers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5193	Florists Supplies, Nursery Stock and Flowers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5198	Paints, Varnishes and Supplies	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5199	Non-Durable Goods Not Elsewhere Classified	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5200	Home Supply Warehouse Stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5211	Building materials and lumber stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5231	Glass, Paint, Wallpaper Stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5251	Hardware stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5261	Lawn and Garden Supply Stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5271	Mobile Home Dealers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5299	Warehouse Club Gas	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5300	Wholesale Clubs	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5309	Duty Free Stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5310	Discount stores	Meesho, Zingoy	Usually earns (check your card)
5311	Department stores	Bajaj Finserv, Canara Setu, DMart, Zudio	Usually earns (check your card)
5331	Variety stores	IGP	Usually earns (check your card)
5399	Misc. general merchandise	Amazon, CRED, Dhani, Flipkart, Magzter, Maximize Money	Usually earns (check your card)
5411	Grocery stores and supermarkets	Amazon, Amul Shop, BigBasket, Blinkit, DMart, Flipkart	Grocery: bonus on grocery cards, base or zero on some
5422	Meat provisioners	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5441	Candy, nut and confectionery stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5451	Dairy products stores	Amul Shop	Usually earns (check your card)
5462	Bakeries	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5499	Misc. food stores and convenience stores	Cult.fit, Domino's, EatSure, JioMart, Magicpin, Mojo Pizza	Usually earns (check your card)
5511	Car and truck dealers (new and used)	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5521	Automobile and Truck Dealers–(Used Only)–Sales	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5532	Tyre stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5533	Auto parts and accessories	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5541	Service stations (petrol pumps)	HP Pay App	Often excluded (fuel)
5542	Automated fuel dispensers	–	Often excluded (fuel)
5551	Boat Dealers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5561	Camper Dealers, Recreational and Utility Trailers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5571	Motorcycle Shops and Dealers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5592	Motor Home Dealers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5598	Snowmobile Dealers	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5599	Miscellaneous Automotive, Aircraft, and Farm Equipment Dealers–Not Elsewhere Classified	–	Usually earns (check your card)

MCC codes for travel

Travel spend splits across several code families: airline codes (3000 to 3299 plus 4511), hotel codes (3501 to 3999 plus 7011), rail (4112), cabs (4121), buses (4131) and travel agencies (4722). Travel cards often reward these at different rates, so it's worth knowing which one your booking will use.

MCC	What it covers	Indian merchants seen here	Reward watch-out
4722	Travel agencies and tour operators	AdaniOne, Airbnb, Cathay Pacific, Flipkart, GetYourGuide, Goibibo	Usually earns (check your card)
4511	Airlines and air carriers	AirAsia, IndiGo, InterMiles	Usually earns (check your card)
3020	Air India	Air India	Usually earns (check your card)
7011	Hotels, motels and resorts	Agoda, Airbnb, Booking.com, Cleartrip, ixigo	Usually earns (check your card)
4112	Passenger railways	IRCTC	Often excluded (railways)
4111	Local and suburban commuter transport, incl. ferries	–	Often excluded (railways)
4121	Taxicabs and limousines	Ola, Rapido, Savaari Cabs, Uber	Usually earns (check your card)
4131	Bus lines	Abhibus, Cleartrip	Usually earns (check your card)
4411	Cruise lines	–	Usually earns (check your card)
4582	Airports and airport terminals	–	Usually earns (check your card)
4789	Transportation services (not elsewhere classified)	–	Usually earns (check your card)
7512	Car rental agencies	Uber, Zoomcars	Usually earns (check your card)

MCC 4722: travel agencies and tour operators

MCC 4722 is the code for travel agencies and tour operators. In India it covers online travel agencies such as MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, ixigo and Yatra. Also, Airbnb (for some bookings), AdaniOne, Klook, Headout and GetYourGuide.

When you book a flight on MakeMyTrip, your statement shows 4722, not the airline's own code. Most cards count 4722 as travel. Swiggy HDFC's Ornge and BLCK terms, for instance, list 4722 in their travel-booking bonus category. But a card that gives extra points only for booking directly with an airline or hotel won't give that extra on 4722.

SBI Cashback excludes railway codes 4011 and 4112, but 4722 isn't on its list, so online bookings through an agency earn its online rewards rate.

MCC 4131: bus services

MCC 4131 covers bus lines and charter buses. Abhibus and some Cleartrip bus bookings post here. Despite being travel, some cards treat 4131 as ordinary retail spend instead of travel, so a bus ticket may earn only the base rate.

Airline MCC codes

Indian carriers: Air India uses 3020, while IndiGo and AirAsia post under the general airline code 4511. The full carrier list is below.

MCC	Airline
3000	United Airlines
3001	American Airlines
3002	Pan American
3003	Eurofly
3004	Dragon Airlines
3005	British Airways
3006	Japan Air Lines
3007	Air France
3008	Lufthansa German Airlines
3009	Air Canada
3010	Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM Airlines)
3011	Aeroflot
3012	Qantas
3013	Alitalia
3014	Saudi Arabian Airlines
3015	Swiss International Air Lines
3016	Scandinavian Airline System (SAS)
3017	South African Airways
3018	Varig
3019	Germanwings
3020	Air India
3021	Air Algerie
3022	Philippine Airlines
3023	Mexicana
3024	Pakistan International
3025	Air New Zealand Ltd. International
3026	Emirates Airlines
3027	Union De Transports Aeriens (UTA/interair)
3028	Air Malta
3029	SN Brussels Airlines
3030	Aerolineas Argentinas
3031	Olympic Airways
3032	El Al
3033	Ansett Airlines
3034	Etihadair
3035	TAP Air Portugal (TAP)
3036	Viacao Aerea Sao Pãulo (VASP)
3037	Egyptair
3038	Kuwait Airways
3039	Avianca
3040	Gulf Air (Bahrain)
3041	Balkan-Bulgarian Airlines
3042	Finnair
3043	Aer Lingus
3044	Air Lanka
3045	Nigeria Airways
3046	Cruzeiro Do Sul
3047	Turk Hava Yollari
3048	Royal Air Maroc
3049	Tunis Air
3050	Icelandair
3051	Austrian Airlines
3052	LAN Airlines
3053	Aviacion Y Comercio (AVIACO)
3054	Linea Aerea Del Cobre (LADECO)
3055	Lloyd Aero Boliviano (LAB)
3056	Jet Airways
3057	Virgin America
3058	Delta
3059	DBA Airline
3061	Continental
3062	Hapag-Lloyd Express
3063	US Airways
3064	Adria Airways
3065	Airinter
3066	Southwest Airlines
3067	Vanguard Airlines
3068	Air Astana
3069	Sun Country Airlines
3071	Air British Columbia
3072	Cebu Pacific Airlines
3075	Singapore Airlines
3076	Aeromexico
3077	Thai Airways
3078	China Airlines
3079	Jetstar Airways
3082	Korean Airlines
3083	Air Afrique
3084	Eva Airways
3085	Midwest Express Airlines
3086	Carnival Airlines
3087	Metro Airlines
3088	Croatia Air
3089	Transaero
3090	Uni Airways Corporation
3094	Zambia Airways
3096	Air Zimbabwe Corp
3097	Spanair
3098	Asiana Airlines
3099	Cathay Pacific
3100	Malaysian Airline System
3102	Iberia
3103	Garuda
3106	Braathens S.A.F.E.
3110	Wings Airways
3111	British Midland
3112	Windward Island
3115	Tower Air
3117	Venezolana International De Aviacion
3118	Valley Airlines
3125	Tan Sahsa
3126	Talair PTY Ltd.
3127	Taca International
3129	Surinam Airways
3130	Sunworld International
3131	VLM Airlines
3132	Frontier Airlines
3133	Sunbelt Airlines
3135	Sudan Airways
3136	Qatar Airways
3137	Singleton
3138	Simmons Airlines
3143	Scenic Airlines
3144	Virgin Atlantic
3145	San Juan
3146	Luxair
3148	Air Littoral S.A.
3151	Air Zaire
3154	Princeville
3156	Go Fly Ltd.
3159	Provincetown-Boston Airways
3161	All Nipon Airways
3164	Norontair
3165	New York Helicopter
3167	Aero Continente
3170	Mount Cook
3171	Canadian Airlines International
3172	Nationair
3174	Jetblue Airways
3175	Middle East Air
3176	Metroflight Airlines
3177	AirTran Airways
3178	Mesa Air
3180	Westjet Airlines
3181	Malev
3182	LOT (Polish Airlines)
3183	Oman Air
3184	LIAT
3185	Linea Aeropostal Venezolana (LAV)
3186	Lineas Aereas Paraguayas (LAP)
3187	LACSA (Costa Rica)
3188	Virgin Express
3190	Jugoslav Air
3191	Island Airlines
3193	Indian Airlines
3196	Hawaiian Air
3197	Havasu Airlines
3200	Guyana Airways
3203	Golden Pacific Air
3204	Freedom Airlines
3206	China Eastern Airlines
3211	Norwegian Air Shuttle
3212	Dominicana De Aviacion
3213	Malmo Aviation
3215	Dan Air Services
3216	Cumberland Airlines
3217	Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie (CSA)
3218	Crown Air
3219	Compania Panamena De Aviacion (COPA)
3220	Compania Faucett
3221	Transportes Aeros Militares
3222	Command Airways
3223	Comair
3226	Skyways
3228	Cayman Airways
3229	SAETA (Sociedad Ecuatorianos De Transportes Aereos)
3231	SAHSA (Servicio Aero De Honduras)
3233	Capitol Air
3234	Caribbean Airlines
3235	Brockway Air
3236	Air Arabia Airline
3238	Bemidji Aviation
3239	Bar Harbor Airlines
3240	Bahamasair
3241	Aviateca
3242	Avensa
3243	Austrian Air Service
3245	Easyjet Air
3246	Ryanair
3247	Gol Airlines
3248	Tam Airlines
3251	Aloha Airlines
3252	Antilean Airlines (ALM)
3253	America West
3254	U.S. Air Shuttle
3256	Alaska Airlines Inc.
3259	American Trans Air
3260	Spirit Airlines
3261	Air China
3262	Reno Air
3263	Aero Servicio Carabobo
3266	Air Seychelles
3267	Air Panama International
3280	Air Jamaica
3281	Air Djibouti
3282	Air Djibouti
3284	Aero Virgin Islands
3285	Aero Peru
3286	Aero Nicaraguensis
3287	Aero Coach Aviation
3292	Cyprus Airways
3293	Ecuatoriana
3294	Ethiopian Airlines
3295	Kenya Airways
3296	Air Berlin
3297	Tarom Romanian Air Transport
3298	Air Mauritius
3299	Wideroes Flyveselskap

Hotel MCC codes

Hotel chains have their own codes between 3501 and 3999. Independent hotels and many bookings made through an agency post under 7011 or 4722 instead, which can mean missing a hotel-specific bonus.

MCC	Hotel chain
3501	Marriott Hotels
3502	Best Western Hotels
3503	MGM Grand Hotels
3504	Hotel Inter-Continental
3505	Inter Nor Hotels
3506	Rodeway Inns
3507	Howard Johnson
3508	Regent International Hotels
3509	Hilton Hotels
3510	Forte Hotels
3511	Golden Tulip Hotels
3512	Sheraton Hotels
3513	Steigenberger Hotels
3514	Hyatt Hotels
3515	Sofitel Hotels
3516	Novotel Hotels
3517	Hotel Ibis
3518	Meridien Hotels
3519	Jolly Hotels
3520	Tokyo Hotel Chain
3521	Metropole Hotels
3522	Pez Espada Hotels
3523	Four Seasons Hotels
3524	Ciga Hotels
3525	Shangri-La International
3526	Hilton International
3527	Hotels Melia
3528	Interhotel Cedok
3529	Auberge Des Gouverneurs
3530	Regal 8 Inns
3531	Mirage Hotel and Casino
3532	Grecotel Hotels
3533	Helmsley Hotels
3534	Dorint Hotels
3535	Fairmont Hotels
3536	Sonesta Hotels
3537	Omni International
3538	Cunard Hotels
3539	Hospitality International
3540	Cumulus Hotels
3541	Doubletree Hotels
3542	Rico Hotels
3543	Radisson Hotels
3544	Princess Hotels International
3545	Hungar Hotels
3546	Sokos Hotels
3547	Doral Hotels
3548	Helmsley Hotels
3549	Meridien Hotels
3550	Walt Disney Hotels
3551	Econo Lodges
3552	Husa Hotels
3553	Peabody Hotels
3554	Stakis Hotels
3555	Relax Inns
3556	Swissotel
3557	Reso Hotels
3558	Days Inn
3559	Arabia Hotels
3560	Fairmont Hotels
3561	Motel 6
3562	La Quinta Motor Inns
3563	Americana Hotels
3564	Sol Hotels
3565	Pullman International Hotels
3566	Canada Imperial Hotels
3567	Sweden Hotels
3568	Sara Hotels
3569	Adams Mark Hotels
3570	Tokyo Shinjuku Prince Hotels
3571	Bermuda Hotels
3572	Barton Hotels
3573	Viking Hotels
3574	JAL Hotels
3575	Miyako Hotels
3576	Sandman Hotels
3577	Venture Inn
3578	Vagabond Hotels
3579	La Quinta Resort
3580	Americana Lake Geneva Resort
3581	Inter Nor Hotels
3582	Seaboard Hotels
3583	Park Inns International
3584	Pinehurst Resort
3585	Treasure Island Resort
3586	Barton Springs Resort
3587	Manhattan East Suite Hotels
3588	Jolly Hotels
3589	Candlewood Suites
3590	Aladdin Resort and Casino
3591	Golden Nugget
3592	Comfort Inns
3593	Journey's End Motels
3594	Sam's Town Hotel and Casino
3595	Relax Hotels
3596	Garden Place Suites
3597	Soho Grand Hotels
3598	Ladbroke Hotels
3599	Tribeca Grand Hotels
3600	Grand Hotel
3601	Soho Grand Hotel
3602	Dan Hotels
3603	Helmsley Hotels
3604	Dorint Hotels
3605	Lady Luck Hotel and Casino
3606	Hotel Universale
3607	Prince Hotels
3608	Peninsula Hotels
3609	Welcomgroup Hotels
3610	Dunfey Hotels
3611	Langham Hotels
3612	Langham International Hotels
3613	Hotels Melia
3614	Ona Hotels
3615	Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino
3616	Meridien Hotels
3617	Sahara Hotel and Casino
3618	Bradbury Suites
3619	Diwan Hotels
3620	Riverside Resort and Casino
3621	Regent Hotels
3622	Saddlebrook Resort Tampa
3623	Trade Winds Resorts
3624	Crown Sterling Suites
3625	Homewood Suites
3626	Peabody Hotels
3627	Colorado Belle/Edgewater Resort
3628	Riviera Hotel and Casino
3629	Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
3630	Luxor Hotel and Casino
3631	Excalibur Hotel and Casino
3632	Hotels Melia
3633	MGM Grand Hotels
3634	Grand Casinos
3635	Crest Hotels
3636	Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
3637	Caesars Hotel and Casino
3638	Conrad Hotels
3639	Bally's Hotel and Casino
3640	Ritz Carlton Hotels
3641	Swissotel
3642	Novotel Hotels
3643	Royal Hotels
3644	Four Seasons Hotels
3645	Clifton Hotels
3646	Taj Hotels International
3647	Econolodge
3648	Colorado Belle/Edgewater Resort
3649	Imperial London Hotels
3650	Embassy Hotels
3651	Penta Hotels
3652	Loews Hotels
3653	Scandic Hotels
3654	Sara Hotels
3655	Oberoi Hotels
3656	New Otani Hotels
3657	Meridien Hotels
3658	Setar Hotels
3659	Forte Hotels
3660	Regent International Hotels
3661	MGM Grand Hotels
3662	Metropole Hotels
3663	Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
3664	Radisson Hotels
3665	Maritim Hotels
3666	Doubletree Hotels
3667	Tokyo Hotel Chain
3668	Otani Hotels
3669	Gaylord Hotels
3670	Hospitality Inns
3671	Alps Hotel
3672	Swissotel
3673	Resorts International
3674	Downtown Athletic Club
3675	Tyee Hotel
3676	Shangri-La International
3677	Hotels Melia
3678	Auberge Des Gouverneurs
3679	Regal 8 Inns
3680	Mirage Hotel and Casino
3681	Coast Hotels
3682	Park Inns International
3683	Pinehurst Resort
3684	Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
3685	Barton Springs Resort
3686	Manhattan East Suite Hotels
3687	Jolly Hotels
3688	Candlewood Suites
3689	Aladdin Resort and Casino
3690	Golden Nugget
3691	Comfort Inns
3692	Journey's End Motels
3693	Sam's Town Hotel and Casino
3694	Relax Hotels
3695	Garden Place Suites
3696	Soho Grand Hotels
3697	Ladbroke Hotels
3698	Tribeca Grand Hotels
3699	Grand Hotel
3700	Soho Grand Hotel
3701	Dan Hotels
3702	Helmsley Hotels
3703	Dorint Hotels
3704	Lady Luck Hotel and Casino
3705	Hotel Universale
3706	Prince Hotels
3707	Peninsula Hotels
3708	Welcomgroup Hotels
3709	Dunfey Hotels
3710	Langham Hotels
3711	Langham International Hotels
3712	Hotels Melia
3713	Ona Hotels
3714	Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino
3715	Meridien Hotels
3716	Sahara Hotel and Casino
3717	Bradbury Suites
3718	Diwan Hotels
3719	Riverside Resort and Casino
3720	Regent Hotels
3721	Saddlebrook Resort Tampa
3722	Trade Winds Resorts
3723	Crown Sterling Suites
3724	Homewood Suites
3725	Peabody Hotels
3726	Colorado Belle/Edgewater Resort
3727	Riviera Hotel and Casino
3728	Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
3729	Luxor Hotel and Casino
3730	Excalibur Hotel and Casino
3731	Hotels Melia
3732	MGM Grand Hotels
3733	Grand Casinos
3734	Crest Hotels
3735	Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
3736	Caesars Hotel and Casino
3737	Conrad Hotels
3738	Bally's Hotel and Casino
3739	Ritz Carlton Hotels
3740	Four Seasons Hotels
3741	Gaylord Hotels
3742	MGM Resorts International (general)
3743	Raffles Hotels
3744	Mandarin Oriental Hotels
3745	Hotel Nikko
3746	Campanile Hotels
3747	Shangri-La Hotels
3748	Meridien Hotels
3749	Tokyo Hotel Chain
3750	Sandals Resorts
3751	Town and Country Resorts
3752	Atlantis Resorts
3753	Taj Hotels
3754	InterContinental Hotels
3755	Peninsula Hotels
3756	ANA Hotels
3757	NO Hotels
3758	St Regis Hotels
3759	Husa Hotels
3760	Wyndham Hotels
3761	Rica Hotels
3762	Inter Nor Hotels
3763	Westin Hotels
3764	Best Western International
3765	Carlton Hotels
3766	Hilton Conrad
3767	Disney Resorts
3768	Patio Hotels
3769	Coast Hotels
3770	Mirage Resorts
3771	Carefree Resorts
3772	Steigenberger Hotels
3773	Radisson Blu Hotels
3774	Conrad Hotels
3775	Vintage Inns
3776	Disney Hotels
3777	Madeline Hotels
3778	Registry Hotels
3779	Grand Heritage Hotels
3780	Hanging Hotels
3781	Auberge Resorts
3782	Harvey/Bristol Hotels
3783	Quality Pacific Hotel
3784	Swissotel
3785	Reso Hotels
3786	Sarova Hotels
3787	Ramada Inns
3788	Ho Jo Inns
3789	Mount Charlotte Thistle
3790	Hyatt Hotels
3791	Sofitel Hotels
3792	Novotel Hotels
3793	Dan Hotels
3794	Dorint Hotels
3795	Hotel Mercure
3796	Hotel Ibis
3797	Southern Pacific Hotels
3798	Hilton International
3799	Amfac Hotels
3800	Eva Hotels
3801	Omni Hotels
3802	Anasazi Inns
3803	Ciga Hotels
3804	Karastase Hotels
3805	Nikko Hotels International
3806	Rockresorts
3807	Claudine Hotels
3808	Sealodge Hotels
3809	Royal Lahaina Resorts
3810	Sonesta Hotels
3811	Royale Hotels
3812	Sonesta International Hotels
3813	Princess Hotels International
3814	Downey Inns
3815	Thunderbay Hotels
3816	Atlantis Hotel Casinos
3817	Rodeway Inns International
3818	Henri Hotels
3819	Americana Hotels
3820	Sol Hotels
3821	Pullman International Hotels
3822	Meridien Hotels
3823	Crest Hotels
3824	Forum Hotels
3825	Royal Kona Resorts
3826	Tokyo Hotel Chain
3827	Tokyu Hotels
3828	Capitol International Hotels
3829	Embassy Suites
3830	Compri Hotels
3831	Husa Hotels
3832	Red Lion Hotels
3833	Tokyo Prince Hotels
3834	Hampton Inns
3835	Meurice Hotels
3836	Merlin Hotels
3837	Dorval Hotels
3838	Regal Hotels International
3839	Panama Hotels
3840	Excalibur Hotel Casino
3841	Circus Circus Hotel Casino
3842	Luxor Hotel Casino
3843	Excalibur Hotel Casino
3844	MGM Grand Hotel
3845	Helmsley Hotels
3846	Dorint Hotels
3847	Fairmont Hotels
3848	Sonesta Hotels
3849	Omni International
3850	Cunard Hotels
3851	Arizona Biltmore
3852	Alyeska Prince Hotel
3853	Raffles Hotels
3854	Ritz Carlton Hotels
3855	Hyatt International
3856	Sofitel Hotels
3857	Meridien Hotels
3858	Crest Hotels
3859	Four Seasons Hotels
3860	Carlton Hotels
3861	City Lodge Hotels
3862	Karos Hotels
3863	Protea Hotels
3864	Southern Sun Hotels
3865	Hilton Conrad
3866	Wyndham Hotels
3867	Rica Hotels
3868	Inter Nor Hotels
3869	Sea Pines Resorts
3870	Rio Suites
3871	Broadmoor Hotel
3872	Bally's Hotel Casino
3873	John Ascuaga's Nugget
3874	MGM Grand Hotel
3875	Harrah's Hotels and Casinos
3876	Opryland Hotel
3877	Boca Raton Resort
3878	Harvey/Bristol Hotels
3879	Masters Economy Inns
3880	Merlin Hotels
3881	Colorado Belle/Edgewater Resort
3882	Riviera Hotel Casino
3883	Tropicana Resort Casino
3884	Woodside Hotels Resorts
3885	Townplace Suites
3886	Millennium Hotels
3887	Club Med
3888	Biltmore Hotel Casino
3889	Carefree Resorts
3890	Stakis Hotels
3891	Luxury Hotels
3892	Cumulus Hotels
3893	Dan Hotels
3894	Dorint Hotels
3895	Tokyo Shinjuku Prince Hotels
3896	Las Vegas Hilton
3897	Peninsula Hotels
3898	Welcomgroup Hotels
3899	Dunfey Hotels
3900	Langham Hotels
3901	(General lodging, not specific)
3999	(General lodging, not specific)

MCC codes for fuel and vehicles

MCC	What it covers	Indian merchants seen here	Reward watch-out
5541	Service stations (petrol pumps)	HP Pay App	Often excluded (fuel)
5542	Automated fuel dispensers	–	Often excluded (fuel)
5172	Petroleum and petroleum products	–	Often excluded (fuel)
5983	Fuel dealers (non-automotive)	–	Often excluded (fuel)
4784	Tolls and bridge fees	Parkplus	Often excluded (tolls)
5511	Car and truck dealers (new and used)	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5532	Tyre stores	–	Usually earns (check your card)
5533	Auto parts and accessories	–	Usually earns (check your card)
7523	Parking lots and garages	–	Usually earns (check your card)
7538	Auto service shops	–	Usually earns (check your card)

The 1% fuel surcharge waiver on most Indian cards only applies when the petrol pump's terminal sends 5541 or 5542. If a pump's terminal is set up under another code, you'll pay the surcharge even at a legitimate fuel station.

Fuel codes are also the most widely excluded category from rewards. See our fuel credit cards guide for cards built around these codes.

MCC 4784: tolls and FASTag

MCC 4784 covers tolls and bridge fees. Direct toll deductions can post here, but topping up a FASTag through an app often posts as a wallet or bill payment instead. Kotak and SBI Cashback both list tolls among their excluded or fee-bearing categories.

FAQs about Merchant category code in India

Where can I find the MCC code for a transaction?

You can check your credit card statement or call your bank’s customer care. Some apps like IDFC, HDFC MyCards, and SBI Card show MCC details directly from within the app.

Can I check MCC before making a payment?

Not always, but a smart trick is to do a ₹100 test transaction and call your bank to check the MCC before swiping for a significant amount. Or you can check your banking app for MCC list/portal.

Why didn’t I get rewards for my credit card spend?

Your transaction may be under an excluded MCC like fuel, wallet load, or govt payment, even if the merchant looks eligible. Please check with your bank directly for understanding the reward structure (and exclusions). such as Croma) may have different MCCs at different locations or when purchased online versus

Can two shops have the same name but different MCCs?

Yes. A single brand (such as Croma) may have different MCCs at different locations or when purchased online versus offline. Rewards depend on how the POS terminal is set up.

What MCC code does Amazon India use?

Amazon typically falls under general merchandise or retail, but this can vary if the transaction involves Amazon wallet load, subscription, etc. Check the table at the top for understanding your spend category.

Do wallet top-ups (like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay) have an MCC?

Yes. But most wallet top-ups are tagged under excluded MCCs, meaning you won't get any credit card rewards.

Can I dispute a wrong MCC charge?

It’s hard, but you can try. If the merchant has been given a wrong MCC, you can contact your bank directly via an email to dispute the transaction with appropriate proof.

What is the MCC code for Zepto in India?

Zepto, being a quick-commerce grocery delivery platform, is typically classified under MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores and Supermarkets) by acquiring banks in India, though this can vary by payment processor. If your card offers accelerated rewards on grocery MCCs, a Zepto transaction should qualify, but always verify against your card's reward statement, since some issuers treat app-based delivery platforms under a separate digital-commerce code.

What does MCC 5262 mean, and which Indian platforms use it?

MCC 5262 covers direct-selling establishments and marketplace vendors. In practice, third-party sellers on large Indian e-commerce marketplaces may code under 5262 rather than the marketplace's own MCC, depending on the acquiring bank's classification. This matters because several premium cards cap or exclude rewards on 5262 transactions, meaning a purchase that looks like a standard online order might earn no points at all.

What is MCC 5413 and does it affect grocery rewards on Indian credit cards?

MCC 5413 refers to grocery stores and convenience stores in the international MCC classification. For Indian credit cards that advertise elevated grocery earn rates, such as the SBI Cashback Card or Axis ACE, the bonus rate applies only if the merchant codes under a recognised grocery MCC (typically 5411 or 5413). If your local kirana or modern-format grocery store is coded differently by its acquiring bank, the bonus rate will not trigger.

What is MCC 5211 used for?

MCC 5211 covers lumber, building materials, and hardware stores. In India this applies to large-format home improvement retailers and building material suppliers. Most Indian credit cards do not offer accelerated rewards on 5211 transactions, and some issuers list it as an excluded category for milestone spend calculations.

Does MCC 4784 apply to FASTag payments in India?

MCC 4784 covers toll and bridge fees, which includes NHAI toll-plaza transactions processed via FASTag. However, when you top up a FASTag wallet through a bank app or payment gateway, the transaction may code as a prepaid instrument or wallet top-up rather than 4784 — and most Indian cards exclude wallet loads from reward accrual. Direct toll debits at the plaza are more likely to code as 4784 and may earn standard reward points, though the fuel surcharge waiver does not apply on this code.

What is the MCC code for jewellery purchases in India (Tanishq, Kalyan, Malabar Gold)?

Jewellery stores and precious-stone retailers are classified under MCC 5094. This code is one of the most widely excluded categories in Indian premium credit card reward programmes: HDFC, ICICI, and Axis all explicitly cap or zero out reward points on 5094 transactions. If you are planning a large jewellery purchase and hoping to earn points, check your card's MITC exclusion list before transacting, as no rewards may post regardless of the spend amount.

What is MCC 5541 and how does it help with fuel surcharge waiver on credit cards?

MCC 5541 (Service Stations) and MCC 5542 (Automated Fuel Dispensers) are the two codes that trigger the 1% fuel surcharge waiver offered by most Indian credit cards. The waiver is applied automatically when the terminal at a petrol pump sends a transaction coded as 5541 or 5542. If the pump operator's terminal is misconfigured and sends a different MCC, the waiver will not apply, which is why the surcharge sometimes appears on statements even at legitimate fuel stations.

Q: What is the full merchant category code list for India, and where can I find it?

The global MCC list is defined by ISO 18245 and adopted by Visa, Mastercard, and RuPay. In India, the Reserve Bank of India and individual issuing banks apply these codes through their acquiring-bank networks. There is no single public registry updated by Indian banks, but here's a free MCC code checker tool that you can use to quickly check MCC codes. Also, you should always refer to your card's Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) document which lists excluded MCCs.

More on Merchant Category Codes in India

Merchant category codes (MCCs) play a crucial role in the world of payments and business classification. Every time a merchant signs up to accept card payments, they’re assigned an MCC based on the main type of services or goods they provide.

For example, a company offering transportation services will have a different MCC than a business handling government services. These codes help payment processors, banks, and card networks identify the nature of a merchant’s business, which in turn affects transaction fees, risk assessments, and even customer rewards.

For merchants, understanding their merchant category code is essential: it can influence everything from the ability to process certain types of payments to eligibility for special card offers.

MCC List on This Page

The MCC list is essentially a master catalog that classifies merchants into specific categories based on the services or products they offer. This list covers a wide range of industries, from professional services like consulting and legal advice, to office supplies, retail, and even miscellaneous categories that don’t fit neatly elsewhere. While the MCC list isn’t globally identical, most card networks and payment processors in India use similar codes to ensure consistency.

Merchants can typically find their assigned MCC on their onboarding documents, such as the VAR sheet or registration form, or by reaching out to their payment processor. Understanding your MCC code as a merchant determines your interchange fees, impacts your eligibility for card rewards, and can even affect how your business is perceived by banks. For example, a merchant selling office supplies will have a specific MCC that signals to card issuers and networks exactly what kind of transactions to expect, which is crucial for both compliance and maximizing business benefits.

Importance of Accurate Classification as a Merchant in India

Getting your merchant category code right is more than just a technicality—it’s a key factor in how your business is treated by banks and card networks. Accurate classification ensures that your business is charged the correct fees, is eligible for the right rewards programs, and avoids unnecessary disputes or account issues.

For instance, if you provide professional services but are mistakenly classified under a retail MCC, you might face higher fees or miss out on business-specific card offers. Merchants should regularly check that their MCC accurately reflects their main business activity.

If you believe your merchant category code is incorrect, you can request a review by providing supporting documents like invoices, product catalogs, or a history of your services. This process helps ensure that your business, services, and merchant status are all aligned, minimizing the risk of payment disruptions and maximizing your access to relevant card benefits.

Updates and Changes to MCC as a Merchant

Merchant category codes aren’t set in stone—they can and do change as your business evolves. If you shift your primary services, expand into new areas, or if industry regulations change (such as new rules for government services), your MCC may need to be updated.

An outdated or incorrect MCC can impact your ability to process payments smoothly and offer rewards to your customers. Merchants should periodically review their MCC, especially after significant changes in their business model. If you notice that your current code no longer matches your main services, you can request a reassessment from your payment processor. Keeping your MCC up-to-date ensures your business remains compliant, avoids unnecessary fees, and continues to benefit from the right card programs—especially if you’re operating in sectors like government services, where regulations and classifications can shift.

Implementation and Verification of Merchant Category Codes

Proper implementation and verification of your merchant category code is a critical step in setting up your payment processing.

Merchants should work closely with their payment processor to ensure the correct MCC is assigned and reflected in all systems. This often involves submitting documentation: such as invoices, product catalogs, or business descriptions—to support your classification.

Using the MCC list as a reference, you can double-check that your business is filed under the right code. If you need to update your MCC, you may have to file a formal request, after which the payment processor will include the new code in their records. Accurate implementation and verification help merchants avoid costly errors, disputes, and lost rewards. For example, if your business expands from retail into professional services, updating your MCC ensures your transactions are processed correctly and you remain eligible for the most relevant card benefits.

merchant category code

About the Author

Anmol Ratan Sachdeva

Anmol has been tracking the Indian credit card market since 2019, reviewing benefits, changes across 40+ cards and documenting issuer devaluations in real time. He personally has a card portfolio across HDFC, Axis, SBI Card, ICICI, and writes from direct usage experience. His analysis focuses on real-world return calculations rather than headline reward rates. He writes content for educational purposes.

Discover Best Cards for your Needs

Explore All Credit Cards in India