DEFINITION
MCC 8999: Professional Services — Not Elsewhere Classified
MCC Database / 8999: Professional 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 8999.
What is MCC 8999?
MCC 8999 is a general-purpose classification for professional services that don’t fit into more narrowly defined MCC categories.
This includes freelance consultants, translators, notaries, expert witnesses, resume coaches, mediators, and other independent professionals or firms offering specialized knowledge.
If a business provides services based on expertise rather than physical goods or standardized offerings — and doesn’t fall into another MCC — it will often be placed under 8999.
Is MCC 8999 considered high risk?
No, not usually.
MCC 8999 is generally considered low to moderate risk. These businesses tend to maintain direct client relationships, work on longer-term projects, and see fewer transaction reversals than high-risk industries like gambling or digital content.
However, if services are subscription-based, acquirers and processors may require extra website due diligence or dispute management strategies.
Does MCC 8999 require a license?
It depends on the service provided. While the MCC itself doesn’t mandate licensing, certain professions within 8999 — like legal advisors, mediators, or notaries — may be regulated at the local or national level.
Processors and acquirers may ask for evidence of credentials or certifications during underwriting, especially if your service is advice-based or jurisdiction-sensitive.
Does MCC 8999 have special fees or pricing?
Generally, no. As a lower-risk category, MCC 8999 tends to fall under standard interchange and processor pricing tiers.
Exceptions might apply if you process internationally, use subscription billing, or exceed normal chargeback thresholds.
It’s important to clarify pricing and reserve expectations when setting up your merchant account.
Can I have multiple MCCs if I offer multiple services?
Only if those services are genuinely distinct and operate under separate merchant accounts. For example, if you run both a coaching business and sell educational materials, your MCC will reflect whichever activity generates the most revenue — unless those offerings are divided into separate business lines with different processing setups.
What are some similar MCCs?
MCC 8999 often overlaps with adjacent service industries. Related MCCs include:
These categories may offer a better fit depending on your specialization, especially if your services cross into regulated or digital sectors.
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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?
Each card network has its own list of MCCs, but the codes and definitions are very similar. Discrepancies can happen when acquirers and processors go to apply the card network’s codes — the exact assignment depends on the acquirer or processor evaluation.
Who decides my MCC?
Your acquirer or processor will assign an MCC when your merchant account application is approved. The chosen MCC should reflect your business’s primary revenue stream.
How do I know what my MCC is?
Your MCC should appear on your VAR sheet, processing agreement, or merchant dashboard. If you can’t locate your MCC, contact your processor or acquirer for clarification.
Does my MCC affect my interchange rate?
Yes. MCCs influence which interchange fees apply and whether special risk-based pricing tiers are triggered.
Can my MCC affect my ability to process payments?
It can. If your MCC is high risk or misclassified, you may face higher fees, withheld funds, or stricter underwriting.
How often can my MCC change?
Your MCC generally stays fixed unless your core business changes. If it does, you can request a reassessment with documentation.
What happens if I’m misclassified with the wrong MCC?
Misclassification can result in incorrect pricing, so it’s important to make sure your code is accurate. You can ask your processor or acquirer to correct it by providing evidence of your actual business activity.
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.
