Key Takeaway
Rarely. MCC 5697 designates Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, and Alterations. While cataloged under the retail apparel series, card issuers treat it as a personal service rather than retail shopping, typically earning 1x base rewards.
- Covers custom tailoring, suit alterations, seamstress services, and garment mending
- Excluded from retail department store and retail apparel quarterly bonus categories
- Best strategy: Pay with a flat 2% or 3% card (e.g. Citi Double Cash, Robinhood Gold)
Apparel Store vs. Tailoring Classification
- MCC 5651 (Family Clothing Stores): Retail clothing stores selling finished garments (frequently included in retail shopping bonus categories).
- MCC 5697 (Tailors and Alterations): Independent tailoring and mending shops providing personal labor on existing garments.
Because tailoring is classified as a service rather than retail goods distribution, banks categorize MCC 5697 as miscellaneous domestic spend. Use an unlimited 2% cash back or 3% Robinhood Gold Card for custom tailoring.
Recommended Cards for This Strategy
Capital One
$395/yr
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Base Return
1.0%
Top Category
10x / %