DEFINITION
MCC Database / 5815: Digital Goods – Media, Books, Movies, Music
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 5815.
What is MCC 5815?
MCC 5815 is designated for merchants that sell digital audiovisual media delivered electronically. Some examples include:
- Ebooks and audiobooks
- Music downloads and streaming
- Movies and TV shows (downloaded or streamed)
- Digital magazines and periodicals
- Ringtones, podcasts, and digital artwork
These products are typically delivered via download, streaming, or other electronic means. Merchants may operate through dedicated platforms, mobile apps, or online storefronts.
It’s important to note that businesses offering a broader range of digital goods, such as games or software applications, may fall under different MCCs like 5816 (Digital Goods – Games) or 5817 (Digital Goods – Applications, Excluding Games).
Is MCC 5815 considered high risk?
MCC 5815 is generally considered moderate to high risk due to several factors:
- Card-Not-Present Transactions: The digital nature of these goods means transactions are card-not-present, increasing the potential for fraud.
- Immediate Fulfillment: Instant delivery leaves little to no time for fraud detection, leading to higher chargeback rates.
- Subscription Models: Recurring billing for digital content can result in disputes if cancellation processes are unclear.
Processors may subject merchants in this category to enhanced scrutiny, including:
- Chargeback Monitoring: Close observation of dispute rates to mitigate potential losses.
- Fraud Prevention Measures: Implementation of tools like 3D Secure to authenticate transactions.
- Reserve Requirements: Holding a portion of funds to cover potential chargebacks.
Does MCC 5815 require a license?
Merchants operating under MCC 5815 usually have to adhere to compliance and licensing considerations like:
- Intellectual Property Rights: Ensuring that all digital content sold is properly licensed and that rights holders are compensated.
- Consumer Protection Laws: Providing clear information about products, pricing, and refund policies.
- Data Security Standards: Complying with PCI DSS requirements to protect customer payment information.
- Export Regulations: For international sales, ensuring compliance with laws governing the export of digital media.
Additionally, merchants may be required to implement age verification systems for content with age restrictions and to adhere to regional content regulations.
Does MCC 5815 have special fees or pricing?
Pricing considerations for MCC 5815 can include:
- Higher interchange rates for card-not-present transactions, especially with international sales or instant delivery.
- Account reserves if a merchant experiences frequent disputes over subscription renewals or accidental purchases.
- Licensing or royalty-related pass-through fees when selling copyrighted digital media through certain platforms.
Merchants using subscription libraries, “all-you-can-stream” models, or bundling digital products may face additional underwriting due to recurring billing risks.
Can I have multiple MCCs if I offer multiple services?
Yes — but only if each service operates under its own merchant account.
For example, a company offering a streaming music platform (MCC 5815) and selling productivity apps (MCC 5817) could maintain separate MCCs if each is run independently.
If the operations share a unified account or checkout process, the dominant activity will determine your classification.
What are some similar MCCs?
Merchants with similar codes include:
Being classified under the most accurate MCC helps ensure proper interchange rates, compliance alignment, and risk management.
Ready to Improve Payment Processing for Your Digital Media Sales?
AltoPay supports streaming platforms, digital bookstores, and online music retailers with solutions designed for high-volume, card-not-present transactions. We deliver:
- Merchant accounts optimized for digital media and subscription models
- Pricing approaches tailored to streaming and instant delivery
- Compliance and fraud tools to protect revenue and reduce disputes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What else do I need to know about MCCs?
Are MCCs the same across all card networks and acquirers?
MCCs are fairly consistent across card networks (Mastercard, Visa, etc.). However, assignment is subjective and can vary from one processor or acquirer to another.
Who decides my MCC?
When you apply for a merchant account, your acquirer or processor will review your business setup and determine the most appropriate MCC. If you provide a variety of goods or services, your MCCs should reflect the primary driver of your revenue.
How do I know what my MCC is?
Your MCC should be listed on the documentation provided by your acquirer or processor. That might be your VAR sheet, registration form, onboarding sheet, or MID credential form. If you can’t find it on any of those documents, ask your processor for help locating your code.
Does my MCC affect my interchange rate?
Yes, it can. MCCs help determine your transaction fees — including interchange. Riskier codes tend to incur higher pricing.
Can my MCC affect my ability to process payments?
Possibly. Processors and acquirers usually have policies about what MCCs will and won’t be accepted. The good news is, acceptance policies usually fluctuate. So if your MCC is prohibited or highly scrutinized now, regulations might loosen up in the future.
How often can my MCC change?
Your MCC will stay the same unless your main revenue source changes — in which case you can request a different code. An MCC reassignment will probably require supporting documentation that proves your business model has changed.
What happens if I’m misclassified with the wrong MCC?
If you think your MCC isn’t a true reflection of your business, you can ask your processor or acquirer to reconsider. You’ll probably have to submit evidence such as product descriptions or marketing material.
