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.

Interchange-kosten zijn niet voor iedereen hetzelfde; kaartnetwerken hanteren verschillende tarieven op basis van risiconiveau, en categorieën voor software/digitale goederen kunnen afwijkende prijsstructuren hebben dan die voor algemene detailhandel. Daarnaast bepaalt uw MCC ook uw risicoprofiel, beïnvloedt het de fraudemonitoring van uw transacties en de interpretatie van uw dispute ratio's. Een verschil tussen de toegewezen risicoclassificatie van een SaaS-bedrijf voor een entiteit en het feitelijke risicoprofiel kan worden gekoppeld aan variërende toepasselijke kosten of chargeback-drempels.

Begin with your main source of income: licenties voor abonnementssoftware, maatwerkontwikkeling, of een combinatie. Neem rechtstreeks contact op met uw betaalprocessor, controleer officiële classificatielijsten van betaalnetwerken, of gebruik een MCC-opzoektool om uw huidige code te achterhalen. Stem uw bedrijfsbeschrijving af op de officiële definities van codes zoals 5734 en 7372, en onthoud dat het verschil tussen een “softwareproduct” en een “softwareservice” de doorslaggevende factor kan zijn.

If there is a perceived discrepancy with your MCC, contacting your Acquirer bank 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. 

de betalingsverwerker 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 abonnementssoftware and included consulting-heavy custom integrations could be considered in the context of its business requirements.