MCC 1520: General Contractors (Residential and Commercial)
MCC 1520 is the merchant category code for general contractors (residential and commercial). Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as home builders, remodelers, and commercial contractors.
- Code
- 1520
- Category group
- Contracted Services
- Risk rating
- Standard risk
Which businesses use MCC 1520?
Acquiring banks assign MCC 1520 to merchants whose primary line of business is general contractors (residential and commercial). Common examples include:
- Home builders
- Remodelers
- Commercial contractors
Is MCC 1520 considered high risk?
Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.
How does MCC 1520 affect processing fees?
MCC 1520 determines which interchange category Visa and Mastercard apply to each transaction. Codes in the contracted services range share interchange programs, so two merchants with the same card mix but different MCCs can pay different wholesale rates.
Frequently asked questions
What does MCC 1520 mean?
MCC 1520 is the merchant category code for General Contractors (Residential and Commercial). Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as home builders, remodelers, and commercial contractors.
Is MCC 1520 high risk?
MCC 1520 is generally rated standard risk. Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.
Can a business change its MCC from 1520?
A business can request a different MCC through its acquiring bank. The acquirer reviews what the business actually sells and reassigns the code only if 1520 does not describe the primary line of business.