On the Adyen platform, if a merchant’s MCC does not match the requirements of a card type, transactions using that card will be declined by the card issuer.
This guide explains which card types require specific MCCs and provides common examples.
What Is an MCC?
A Merchant Category Code (MCC) is a four-digit code assigned to a merchant based on the primary type of business they operate. Card networks and issuers use MCCs to determine:
Eligibility for certain card types
Tax treatment and restrictions
Spending controls and benefits
Your MCC is set during onboarding and must accurately reflect your business.
Card Types That Require Specific MCCs
🚚 Fleet Cards
What they are
Fleet cards are designed for businesses that manage vehicles and fuel expenses.
Typical restrictions
Can usually only be used for:
Fuel
Vehicle maintenance
Transportation-related purchases
Common eligible MCC examples
5541 – Service Stations
5542 – Automated Fuel Dispensers
7538 – Automotive Service Shops
7511 – Truck Stop / Fuel
Important
If your business is not classified as a fuel or automotive merchant, fleet card transactions will be declined.
🏥 HSA / FSA Cards (Health & Medical Spending Cards)
What they are
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards are used for qualified medical expenses only.
Typical restrictions
Must be a healthcare-related merchant
Purchases are validated by MCC and sometimes item-level data
Common eligible MCC examples
8011 – Doctors & Physicians
8021 – Dentists & Orthodontists
8041 – Chiropractors
8042 – Optometrists
8099 – Medical Services (Other)
5912 – Pharmacies (with restrictions)
Important
General retail or wellness businesses typically cannot accept HSA/FSA cards unless their MCC qualifies.
🏢 Corporate / Purchasing (P-Cards)
What they are
Corporate and purchasing cards are issued to businesses for controlled spending.
Typical restrictions
May be limited by:
MCC
Spend categories
Transaction type
Common eligible MCC examples
7399 – Business Services
5732 – Electronics Stores
5045 – Computers & Software
5111 – Office Supplies
Important
Acceptance depends on the issuer’s controls, not just the merchant.
🧾 Government & Regulated Spend Cards
What they are
Certain government or regulated benefit cards are restricted to approved industries.
Examples
Transit cards
Utility-specific cards
Government purchasing cards
Typical MCC requirements
Public transportation
Utilities
Approved government suppliers
Acceptance depends on both MCC and issuer rules.
Why MCC Accuracy Matters
If your MCC does not match your actual business activity:
Restricted card types will be declined
Merchants may see higher decline rates
Support requests and confusion increase
MCCs cannot be overridden at transaction time.
Important Notes
Card eligibility is determined by card network and issuer rules
Adyen enforces MCC restrictions automatically
Having a terminal or payment method enabled does not guarantee acceptance of restricted cards
MCC updates require review and approval
Not Sure If Your Business Qualifies?
If you are unsure whether your business should accept:
Fleet cards
HSA / FSA cards
Corporate or regulated cards
Please reach out to support@valpay.com for guidance.