DEFINITION
MCC 7375: Information Retrieval Services
MCC Database / 7375: Information Retrieval Services
Every merchant is assigned a merchant category code (MCC) — a four-digit number used by card networks to classify the primary business activity. MCCs determine how transactions are processed, how fees are structured, and how risk is assessed.
Let’s take a closer look at MCC 7375.
What is MCC 7375?
MCC 7375 covers merchants providing online or database-based information retrieval services on a fee or contract basis. This includes businesses that compile, maintain, and distribute data — such as credit reporting, stock quotes, academic or legal research services, and other query-based systems.
Is MCC 7375 considered high risk?
No usually. MCC 7375 is typically classified as low to moderate risk. It generally lacks the high fraud exposure seen in ecommerce.
However, if services are sold as card-not-present or subscription-based, processors and acquirers may consider your business higher risk.
Does MCC 7375 require a license?
Compliance needs depend on your data type:
- Privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) if collecting or sharing personal data.
- Industry-specific compliance for sensitive information such as financial reports or health data.
- Contract clarity to define access rights, usage terms, and data refresh policies.
Underwriting may require you to document how data is sourced, stored, and distributed to ensure transparency and liability coverage.
Does MCC 7375 have special fees or pricing?
Rates for MCC 7375 generally align with standard business-service interchange fees. However there are some exceptions.
- Card-not-present transactions — especially recurring subscriptions — carry higher fraud risk and may increase costs.
- High-volume or high-value contracts could trigger reserve accounts or account reviews.
In rare cases, providers of sensitive consumer data may face premium fee tiers or additional controls.
Can I have multiple MCCs if I offer multiple services?
Yes, if your services are truly separate — distinct merchant accounts or brands justify different MCCs. However, simply operating database services alongside unrelated offerings under the same account means MCC 7375 remains primary.
What are some similar MCCs?
You may qualify for — or be compared to — alternative codes depending on your exact offering:
Correct classification ensures fee accuracy and risk treatment aligned with your business model.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What else do I need to know about MCCs?
Are MCCs the same across all card networks and acquirers?
For the most part, MCCs have standardized definitions across all card networks. However, assignment can vary slightly based on your processor or acquirer’s interpretation of your business.
Who decides my MCC?
Your acquiring bank or payment processor assigns a code based on your primary business activity.
How do I know what my MCC is?
Your MCC should be listed on your VAR sheet, merchant account agreement, or payment platform dashboard. You can reach out to your acquirer or processor if you can’t locate your code.
Does my MCC affect my interchange rate?
Yes, your interchange rate could be impacted by your MCC. Different MCCs map to different fee tiers based on risk and network cost structure.
Can my MCC affect my ability to process payments?
Possibly. Processors and acquirers often limit or restrict acceptance for certain MCCs. If you are struggling to get a merchant account with your current MCC, try adjusting your inventory or billing models. You can also add fraud detection and chargeback prevention solutions to help improve your business’s reputation.
How often can my MCC change?
Your MCC will stay the same unless your business model changes significantly. If you think your current MCC is no longer relevant, you can ask your processor or acquirer to reassess your assignment. You’ll probably need to provide documents to support your request.
What happens if I’m misclassified with the wrong MCC?
Misclassification can lead to incorrect fees and unnecessary challenges, so it’s important to make sure your MCC is an accurate reflection of your main revenue stream. If you think your MCC isn’t applicable, reach out to your processor or acquirer and request a change. Gather materials that help support your case — like contracts, marketing materials, processing history, etc.
For more than a decade, Jessica Velasco has been a thought leader in the payments industry. She aims to provide readers with valuable, easy-to-understand resources.
