Please note that we have set merchant category limits on USD cards. We recommend keeping this in mind when making payments, as these limits are in place to help manage your business transactions more effectively.
Below are the approved merchant categories where purchases are currently allowed:
Telecommunication Services
Advertising Services
Trailer Parks, Campgrounds
Manufacturing – Miscellaneous
Car Rental Agencies
Tourist Attractions and Exhibits
Eating Places, Restaurants
Drinking Places
Computer Network Services
Photographic Studios
Family Clothing Stores
Mens and Boys Clothing and Accessories Stores
Miscellaneous Business Services
Sporting/Recreation Camps
Passenger Railways
Jewelry Stores, Watches, Clocks, and Silverware Stores
Mens, Womens Clothing Stores
Religious Organizations
Employment/Temp Agencies
Direct Marketing - Other
Cement and Concrete Products
Construction Materials – Miscellaneous
Membership Organizations
Book Stores
Computers, Peripherals, and Software
TUI Travel - Germany
Taxicabs/Limousines
Miscellaneous Recreation Services
Timeshares
Computer Programming
Variety Stores
Cable, Satellite, and Other Pay Television and Radio
Digital Goods – Applications (Excludes Games)
Computer Software Stores
Tolls/Bridge Fees
Amusement Parks/Carnivals
Miscellaneous General Merchandise
Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts
Government Services (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Electronics Stores
Transportation Services (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Educational Services
Courier Services
Digital Goods – Large Digital Goods Merchant
Theatrical Ticket Agencies
Government Services – Miscellaneous
Consulting, Public Relations
Aeroflot
Travel Agencies, Tour Operators
Bands, Orchestras
SAS
Direct Marketing - Subscription
Digital Goods – Games
Picture/Video Production
Record Stores
Grocery Stores, Supermarkets
Miscellaneous Specialty Retail
Hotels, Motels, and Resorts
Cruise Lines
Digital Goods Media – Books, Movies, Music
Womens Ready-To-Wear Stores
Cruise Lines
United Airlines
Airlines, Air Carriers
Commercial Photography, Art and Graphics
Fuel – Service Stations
Department Stores
Direct Marketing - Inbound Telemarketing
Charitable and Social Service Organizations - Fundraising
How to Get a Merchant Category Unblocked?
If a transaction is declined with the message “Transaction was declined due to prohibited merchant category,” it means the merchant category is not currently on the approved list, or it is prohibited.
If you want to pay a merchant that’s currently blocked, don’t worry – we’re here to help! Contact our support team via live chat, and they’ll review your request and check if we can add the merchant category to the approved list.
With these guidelines in mind, you’ll know exactly how to handle merchant category limits and enjoy smooth transactions.