Merchant category codes
MCC codes for digital goods and software
Checked
Goods delivered electronically have their own codes. 5815 covers digital books, films, art and music; 5816 digital games; 5817 apps and software; 5818 only digital merchants above Visa's volume threshold. 5734 is for software stores, 7372 for programming and web design, and 4899 for streaming subscriptions. Visa lets direct sellers of digital subscriptions use 5815 to 5818 instead of 5968.
| MCC | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 5815 | Ebooks, films, digital art and music delivered electronically. |
| 5816 | Electronically delivered games, including in-app purchases; no games of chance. |
| 5817 | Apps and software delivered electronically, excluding games. |
| 5818 | High-volume digital goods sellers above Visa's transaction threshold. |
| 5734 | Stores selling software for business and personal use, maybe hardware too. |
| 7372 | Programming, systems design, website design, data entry and processing services. |
| 4816 | Internet access, network and information services, website maintenance. |
| 4899 | Ongoing delivery of TV, radio or streaming content on a subscription or fee basis. |
Stripe default and the 5734 trap
Stripe's documentation says that if it cannot work out a connected account's code from its industry or website, it uses the platform's code or its default, 5734 Computer Software Stores. Visa defines 5734 as stores selling software programs for business and personal use, and says merchants selling mobile apps should use 5817.
Frequently asked questions
- What MCC is used for selling ebooks or courses online?
- Ebooks fit 5815 Digital Goods Media, which covers books, films, digital art and music delivered electronically. Courses and instruction fit 8299 Schools and Educational Services when no more specific education code applies.
- Which digital goods codes need 3D Secure?
- Under Visa's rules, acquirers in Singapore must require Visa Secure for online sales under 5815, 5816, 5817 and 5818. 5816 is also on the list for Hong Kong and Macau, and 5734 for Hong Kong and Macau.