Key Takeaway
Generally yes, but with key exceptions. MCC 5813 classifies Drinking Places (Bars, Taverns, Lounges). Chase and Capital One award dining points on MCC 5813, while American Express explicitly requires food service and may exclude standalone drinking spots.
- Chase Sapphire (3x) and Freedom Unlimited (3x) count MCC 5813 as dining
- Amex Gold (4x) terms restrict bonuses to 'restaurants' and frequently excludes standalone bars
- Nightclubs with door fees may code under MCC 7991/7999 (Entertainment/Recreation), yielding only 1x
What is MCC 5813?
MCC 5813 is the merchant category code for Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) — Bars, Taverns, Cocktail Lounges, Brewpubs, and Nightclubs where alcohol sales constitute the primary revenue.
How Different Card Issuers Treat MCC 5813
- Chase (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Freedom): Chase defines dining broadly. Under Chase terms, establishments whose primary business is serving food or drink for immediate consumption—including bars, breweries, and lounges under MCC 5813—qualify for the 3x dining multiplier.
- American Express (Gold Card, Green Card): Amex explicitly defines its 4x category as restaurants. Standalone bars, nightclubs, taprooms, and cocktail lounges that do not serve full-course meals frequently code under MCC 5813 and fail to trigger the 4x multiplier, earning only 1x.
- Capital One (Savor, SavorOne): Capital One generously covers both dining and entertainment, ensuring you earn 3% to 4% cash back whether a lounge codes as a bar (5813) or as entertainment (7991).
Nightclubs & Door Fees Trap
Many high-end nightlife venues and clubs run cover charges or table service under MCC 7991 (Tourist Attractions) or MCC 7999 (Recreation Services) rather than 5813. Always verify how a specific venue’s merchant terminal is configured.