What is a SaaS Merchant Category Code (MCC)?

When a merchant account is established, a Merchant Category Code (MCC) is a four-digit classification assigned to a business by its acquiring bank or payment processor. It categorizes a business by the types of products or services it offers, according to the ISO 18245. 

For a SaaS company, the MCC informs card networks like Visa and Mastercard of the type of software business you operate. The presence of an appropriate MCC for a subscription software company can influence aspects such as transaction approval efficiency, applicable fee structures, and the frequency of payment disputes.

Since there is no single universal code for every software business, the correct one depends on what you really sell.

• MCC 5734 (Computer Software Stores): This is intended for merchants mainly focused on retail sale of computer software, including off-the-shelf programs, operating systems, and business software like accounting or CRM applications. Many subscription-based SaaS enterprises are under this category.
• MCC 7372 (Computer Programming, Data Processing, and Integrated Systems Design): This code is for merchants supplying data processing and related consulting services, which would cover SaaS companies that focus on development, data services, or have a significant professional services component.
• MCC 5817 (Software Applications, Excluding Games): Typically for app-based or digitally delivered software models.
• MCC 5045 (Computers, Peripherals, and Software): More appropriate for companies that deal in hardware distribution along with software.
• MCC 7311 or other niche codes: But if your SaaS offering is combined with advertising, marketing, or other services, then these codes may come into play.

Le commissioni di interscambio non sono uguali per tutti; i circuiti delle carte selezionano tariffe diverse in base al livello di rischio e le categorie di software/beni digitali possono avere strutture di prezzo diverse rispetto a quelle generiche del commercio al dettaglio. Oltre a questo, il tuo MCC definisce anche il tuo profilo di rischio, influisce sul monitoraggio delle frodi delle tue transazioni e sull'interpretazione dei tuoi tassi di contestazione. Una differenza tra la classificazione del rischio assegnata da una società SaaS a un'entità e il suo profilo di rischio effettivo può essere collegata a commissioni applicabili o soglie di chargeback variabili.

Begin with your main source of income: licenze software in abbonamento, sviluppo personalizzato o una combinazione. Contatta direttamente il tuo processore di pagamento, consulta gli elenchi ufficiali di classificazione della rete di pagamento o utilizza uno strumento di ricerca MCC per ottenere il tuo codice attuale. Allinea la descrizione della tua attività con le definizioni ufficiali di codici come 5734 e 7372, e ricorda che la differenza tra un “prodotto software” e un “servizio software” può essere il fattore decisivo.

If there is a perceived discrepancy with your MCC, contacting your banca acquirente or payment processor support is the established procedure, as merchants are not allowed to modify this information. 

You should be prepared to clearly describe your main business activity and “back it up” with supporting documentation like your website, product descriptions, or sample invoices. 

il processore di pagamento will check your request and adjust the code if the evidence shows a different classification. A manual review by the processor is generally involved in this process segment, contributing to its potential time frame.

Revisit your MCC whenever your core business model changes significantly, such as when you launch new product lines, change from self-serve software to custom implementation services, or add hardware to your offering. The initial codebase of a company that formed as pure software in abbonamento and included consulting-heavy custom integrations could be considered in the context of its business requirements.