Home and garden · Merchant category codes
What is MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores)?
Checked
MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) is the merchant category code for stores that sell a full range of hardware supplies to the general public. A tool brand selling to consumers fits here. It is not on Visa's high-integrity risk list, and Stripe does not restrict it.
- Visa name
- Hardware Stores
- Stripe name
- Hardware Stores
- Restricted by Stripe
- No
- Visa high-integrity risk
- No
- Visa 3D Secure rule for online sales
- No rule tied to this code
- In PlatformDTC's Industry picker
- No
- Typical products
- Hand tools, Power tools, Plumbing supplies, Electrical supplies, Lighting fixtures
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC's Industry picker does not offer 5251, so a store cannot choose it during payments setup; the closest choices there are 5718 ("Fireplace and accessories stores"). Stripe reviews each account's category and can move a store to 5251 itself, and Stripe's documentation says the platform cannot then change it back.
What sells under MCC 5251
Visa uses 5251 for stores that sell a full range of hardware supplies to the general public.
A tool brand selling to consumers fits here.
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Plumbing supplies
- Electrical supplies
- Lighting fixtures
Codes it is confused with
Choose the code for the line of business that makes up most of your sales. Visa also allows a separate code for each line of business.
| Code | Name | Use it instead when |
|---|---|---|
| 5200 | Home Supply Warehouse Stores | You cover many home improvement lines |
| 5231 | Glass, Paint, and Wallpaper Stores | Most sales are paint or wallpaper |
| 5718 | Fireplace, Fireplace Screens and Accessories Stores | Most sales are fireplaces |
Risk, 3D Secure and Stripe rules
5251 is not on Visa's high-integrity risk list, so no extra Visa registration is tied to the code itself.
Stripe's list of supported codes does not mark it restricted, so a Stripe account can use it without asking Stripe first.
Frequently asked questions
- Is MCC 5251 high risk?
- No. 5251 is not on Visa's high-integrity risk list. Stripe does not mark it restricted.
- Can a PlatformDTC store use MCC 5251?
- Not by picking it: PlatformDTC's Industry picker does not offer 5251. Stripe can still assign it after reviewing the account.
Sources
Related
- 5200 — Large home stores with paint, lumber, garden, electrical and decorating goods.
- 5231 — Glass, paint, painting supplies, wallpaper and wall coverings.
- 5718 — Pre-made fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace parts.
- 5261 — Plants, seeds, bulbs, soil, fertiliser and garden tools.
- 5992 — Cut flowers, flower arrangements and potted plants.
- 5996 — Home pools, spas, hot tubs and supplies, with installation or repair.
- 5998 — Tents and awnings for home or business, with repair.
- 5712 — Finished furniture, mattresses and home furnishings, not appliances.