DEFINITION
MCC Database / 5967: Direct Marketing – Inbound Telemarketing Merchants
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 5967.
What is MCC 5967?
MCC 5967 is designated for merchants that provide inbound telemarketing services, where customers initiate contact to access various information services. These services are delivered via telephone or the internet and may include:
- Audiotext and videotext services: Interactive voice response systems and video content accessed through telecommunication networks.
- Information services: Offerings such as polls, sweepstakes, sports scores, stock market updates, and horoscope readings.
Merchants under this category typically operate in a card-not-present environment, relying on remote communication channels to deliver their services.
NOTE
This MCC is also used for card-not-present merchants that offer adult content. Adult content was originally placed under this MCC when inbound adult phone lines were invented. As adult merchants evolved into online platforms, this MCC remained the designated adult content MCC.
What is MCC 5967?
Yes. MCC 5967 requires high-risk registration by the card schemes and is generally treated as high risk for several reasons:
- Nature of content: Adult-oriented or sensitive services often draw greater regulatory attention and carry reputational challenges.
- Online transactions: Card-not-present sales are more vulnerable to fraud, friendly fraud, and chargebacks.
- Recurring billing: Subscription or continuity programs can trigger disputes if cancellation procedures aren’t straightforward.
Because of these factors, payment providers may require:
- Detailed underwriting reviews: An in-depth examination of your operations, marketing practices, and compliance safeguards.
- Reserve arrangements: Withholding part of settlement funds to protect against future chargeback losses.
- Ongoing monitoring: Regular checks of sales patterns, dispute rates, and customer complaints.
Does MCC 5967 require a license?
Merchants in this category must be mindful of multiple legal and card-brand obligations:
- Content compliance: All offerings must adhere to applicable laws and card scheme rules on adult services and telecommunications.
- Age verification: Strong mechanisms to ensure minors cannot access restricted services.
- Data security: Adherence to PCI DSS for safeguarding payment credentials.
- Billing transparency: Clear display of prices, refund conditions, and cancellation steps.
Non-compliance can lead to fines, loss of processing privileges, or legal penalties.
Does MCC 5967 have special fees or pricing?
Yes. High-risk status often means:
- Elevated interchange tiers to offset greater dispute and fraud exposure.
- Reserve accounts holding back a percentage of funds for a set period.
- Risk management surcharges applied monthly or per-transaction fees for ongoing oversight.
The exact cost impact depends on your processor’s policies, your sales volume, and your chargeback record.
Can I have multiple MCCs if I offer multiple services?
It’s possible to have multiple MCCs, as long as each service is fully separate with its own merchant account.
For example, a business running inbound telemarketing lines (MCC 5967) and selling downloadable software online (MCC 5817) could hold two MCCs.
But if all revenue flows through one merchant account, the assigned MCC will reflect the primary revenue source.
What are some similar MCCs?
The following MCCs are similar to 5967.
Ready to Optimize Payment Processing for Your Inbound Telemarketing Business?
AltoPay works with inbound telemarketing merchants to provide merchant accounts aligned to your industry, rate structures that match your risk profile, and proactive fraud prevention strategies. Reach out to learn more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What else do I need to know about MCCs?
Are MCCs the same across all card networks and acquirers?
Card networks use the same basic classification system, but assignment is subjective and can differ from one acquirer to another.
Who decides my MCC?
When you apply for a new merchant account, your processor or acquirer will assign an MCC that reflects your primary goods or services.
How do I know what my MCC is?
Check your merchant account agreement. If you have a VAR sheet (might be called a registration form, onboarding sheet, or MID credential form instead), you can also check there. Otherwise, your solution provider can confirm your assignment if it’s unclear.
Does my MCC affect my interchange rate?
Yes. MCCs can influence transaction fees — including interchange rates. Riskier codes tend to cost more.
Can my MCC affect my ability to process payments?
Possibly. Acquirers and processors will sometimes deny accounts because of the assigned MCC. These policies are not usually permanent though, meaning a prohibited MCC might be approved at a later date.
How often can my MCC change?
Your MCC should stay the same — unless your main revenue source changes. If that happens, you can ask your acquirer or process to reconsider your MCC assignment. You’ll probably have to provide documents that support your case.
What happens if I’m misclassified with the wrong MCC?
If you think your MCC assignment is inaccurate, ask your processor or acquirer to reconsider. To be persuasive, you’ll need to provide evidence that validates your argument.
