Merchant category codes
MCC codes for food and drink
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Food sold online splits into a few codes. 5499 Miscellaneous Food Stores covers specialty, gourmet and health foods, and Visa lists vitamin stores and meal kits under it. Grocery stores need perishables to make up at least 45% of monthly sales. Candy, dairy, bakery and meat sellers have their own codes, and packaged alcohol uses 5921.
| MCC | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 5499 | Specialty, gourmet and health foods, vitamin stores and meal kits. |
| 5411 | Full-line food stores where perishables are at least 45% of monthly sales. |
| 5441 | Candy, chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, popcorn and other sweets. |
| 5462 | Stores that sell, and may make, bakery goods. |
| 5451 | Packaged butter, cheese, ice cream, milk and other dairy. |
| 5422 | Fresh, frozen or cured meat, fish and seafood, including bulk freezer plans. |
| 5921 | Packaged beer, wine and liquor to drink off the premises. |
Why 5499 is the usual answer
Visa defines 5499 as specialty foods not covered by a more specific code, and its examples include gourmet food stores, health food stores, vitamin stores and meal preparation kits. Most direct-to-consumer food, coffee, tea and supplement brands fit it.
Visa's manual sets a hard test for 5411 Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: perishable food must be at least 45% of the merchant's total monthly sales. An online store selling shelf-stable snacks does not pass it.
Frequently asked questions
- What MCC does an online food store use?
- Usually 5499 Miscellaneous Food Stores, which Visa uses for specialty, gourmet and health foods, vitamin stores and meal kits. Use 5441 for candy and chocolate, 5462 for bakery goods, 5451 for dairy and 5422 for meat and seafood.
- Is MCC 5499 high risk?
- It is not on Visa's high-integrity risk list, and Stripe does not restrict it. Visa does require 3D Secure on online 5499 sales for merchants located in the Philippines.