MCC 5399 covers merchants that sell a wide range of general merchandise but do not fall under more specific retail MCC categories. These businesses typically offer products from multiple categories — such as apparel, electronics, home goods, toys, or seasonal items — without a dominant line of merchandise that qualifies for a more narrowly defined MCC.

The “miscellaneous” classification indicates a broad or blended catalog that may shift with demand, local inventory, or seasonal trends. It’s frequently assigned to ecommerce sellers or physical stores whose offerings don’t cleanly align with a single product type.

Not typically. MCC 5399 is generally treated as low to moderate risk, but risk status may vary depending on how the business operates:

• Ecommerce businesses using this MCC may see elevated fraud exposure due to card-not-present transactions and variable fulfillment timelines.
• Product variety can complicate dispute resolution, especially if descriptors or receipts are vague.
• Third-party marketplaces using MCC 5399 may face stricter underwriting if they allow vendors with inconsistent quality or customer service records.

While not flagged as high risk by default, processors may still apply enhanced due diligence if the business has a high refund rate, stocks controversial goods, or operates under a dropshipping model.

There are no licensing requirements specific to this MCC. However, merchants must still comply with standard legal, tax, and regulatory requirements for retail businesses, including:

• Accurate and transparent product listings and return policies
• Proper collection and remittance of sales tax
• Data protection for cardholder and customer information (especially online)
• Adherence to age-restricted item rules where applicable (e.g., if selling tobacco, knives, etc.)

Payment processors may also request documentation that clarifies what types of merchandise are sold — particularly for online stores or businesses with a large catalog.

Generally, MCC 5399 does not carry special pricing. Standard interchange rates for retail apply, though actual fees will depend on:

• The business model (in-person vs. online)
• Chargeback history and volume
• The acquiring bank’s risk assessment

For card-not-present merchants, especially those with fast-changing inventory or subscription models, reserve accounts or tiered pricing may be introduced to mitigate perceived risk.

Yes — but only if your business operates multiple distinct lines, each with its own identity and operations.

For example, if you own both a clothing boutique and a convenience store and operate them under separate names and websites, each may qualify for its own MCC. However, if you run a single store with a mix of merchandise, you’ll be classified under the most appropriate catch-all code — in this case, MCC 5399.

To justify a different code, you’ll need to document the business segmentation clearly. This might include brand identities, site URLs, or merchant account separation.

If your merchandise mix or business model is more specific than MCC 5399 allows, you may fall under or be compared to:

Understanding nearby MCCs helps ensure you’re assigned the most accurate code — which can affect your fees, approvals, and risk monitoring profile.