MCC 4900: Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Sanitary)

MCC 4900 is the merchant category code for utilities (electric, gas, water, sanitary). Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as electric utilities, water districts, and gas companies.

Code
4900
Category group
Utility Services
Risk rating
Standard risk

Which businesses use MCC 4900?

Acquiring banks assign MCC 4900 to merchants whose primary line of business is utilities (electric, gas, water, sanitary). Common examples include:

  • Electric utilities
  • Water districts
  • Gas companies

Is MCC 4900 considered high risk?

Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.

How does MCC 4900 affect processing fees?

MCC 4900 determines which interchange category Visa and Mastercard apply to each transaction. Codes in the utility services range share interchange programs, so two merchants with the same card mix but different MCCs can pay different wholesale rates.

Payment processing for MCC 4900 merchants

Niche Payments runs a dedicated high-volume payment processing program for businesses classified under MCC 4900. Interchange-plus pricing for merchants processing millions a month.

  • Interchange-plus and Level 2 / Level 3 data rates
  • Dedicated account manager and custom reserve terms
  • Multi-location and multi-entity reporting in one dashboard

Frequently asked questions

What does MCC 4900 mean?

MCC 4900 is the merchant category code for Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Sanitary). Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as electric utilities, water districts, and gas companies.

Is MCC 4900 high risk?

MCC 4900 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 4900?

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 4900 does not describe the primary line of business.