DEFINITION
MCC 7399: Business Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
MCC Database / 7399: Business Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
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 7399.
What is MCC 7399?
MCC 7399 is a catch‑all category for business services that don’t fit neatly into other predefined MCCs. It includes a wide range of industries. Here are some examples:
- Virtual assistants and online executive support services
- Online notary or document authentication services
- Resume review services
- Online reputation management firms
- Brand protection or trademark monitoring services
- Compliance support or consulting services (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, etc.)
- Online transcription services
- Virtual office or mailbox services
- Lead generation services for B2B companies
- Mystery shopping firms
- Logistics coordinators
- Consulting and advisory firms (management consulting, business advisors, HR consultants, etc.)
- Freelancers and independent contractors (technical writers, translators, project managers, etc.)
- Marketing, public relations, and creative service agencies (branding consultants, design firms, PR agencies, etc.)
Essentially, if your service doesn’t have a specific MCC, it likely falls under 7399.
Is MCC 7399 considered high risk?
Yes and no. MCC 7399 is generally classified as moderate to high risk. Because it covers diverse and uncategorized services, processors and acquirers often apply extra scrutiny — even for seemingly simple business models.
As a result, you may face higher interchange rates, rolling reserves, or manual reviews compared to clearly defined service categories.
Does MCC 7399 require a license?
Requirements depend on the actual service provided under this code. For example:
- Notary and document authentication services must be authorized
- Transcriptionists may need to adhere to data privacy guidelines — especially for legal and medical clients
- Mailbox services handling sensitive or regulated goods might require special permits or secure procedures
- Event planners or organizers may need liability insurance or venue permits
Does MCC 7399 have special fees or pricing?
Yes. Because of its broad scope and uncertainty, MCC 7399 is often placed in higher fee tiers:
- Elevated interchange rates due to risk classification
- Account reserves for chargeback protection
- Manual underwriting fees or periodic account reviews
Can I have multiple MCCs if I offer multiple services?
Yes — but only if your services are distinct and managed separately.
For example, if you provide both virtual and in-person mail services under the same merchant account, MCC 7399 remains appropriate.
If you run those services under separate brands, locations, or merchant accounts, each can receive its own MCC.
What are some similar MCCs?
When managing an MCC, comparing related businesses is helpful:
Choosing the right MCC affects fees, compliance, and fraud monitoring.
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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?
Card networks (Mastercard, Visa, etc.) have mostly similar definitions, but MCC assignment is done by processors and acquirers — which can have differing interpretations.
Who decides my MCC?
During your merchant account onboarding, your acquiring bank or payment processor will assign an MCC that reflects your primary business activity.
How do I know what my MCC is?
Check the documentation your acquirer, processor, or solution provider gave you. Look for something called a VAR sheet, MID credential form, onboarding sheet, or registration form. Your MCC should be listed there. If it’s not, reach out to your acquirer or processor and ask what code was assigned to your business.
Does my MCC affect my interchange rate?
Absolutely. MCCs can be used to determine interchange fees and other processing fees.
Can my MCC affect my ability to process payments?
Yes. Certain MCCs often trigger volume restrictions, reserves, or even account denial depending on an individual merchant’s risk.
How often can my MCC change?
MCCs don’t usually change. The only reason to update an MCC is if your business activity and revenue streams change. If that happens, you can reach out to your processor or acquirer and ask for a new MCC assignment.
What happens if I’m misclassified with the wrong MCC?
MCC misclassification can cause several problems — including higher-than-necessary fees. If you think your MCC is wrong, ask your acquirer or processor to review your business. You’ll need to provide documentation to support your case, which might include customer contracts, product catalogs, or website descriptions.
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.
