About This Manual
The Visa Merchant Data Standards Manual is the official rulebook that defines how merchants and payment processors must classify businesses using 4-digit Merchant Category Codes (MCCs).
In credit card rewards programs, MCCs are what make or break category bonus multipliers (such as 3x on dining, 4x on groceries, or 5x on travel). An acquirer must assign an MCC based on a merchant’s primary source of revenue—which is why shopping at a superstore often doesn’t trigger “grocery” rewards, or buying wine at a restaurant registers as “dining.”
Key Sections & Quick Links
- Section 1: Merchant Classification Rules (Page 12): Core principles for assigning MCCs based on highest sales volume, multiple lines of business, and merchant location data.
- Section 2: Regulated & Specialized Merchants (Page 28): Rules governing financial services, quasi-cash, cryptocurrency, subscription billing, and high-risk merchant categories.
- Section 3: Complete MCC Directory (0001–9999) (Page 45): The master numerical index of Visa MCC codes with exact inclusions, exclusions, and cardholder transaction definitions.