MCC 5811: Caterers
MCC 5811 is the merchant category code for caterers. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as catering companies, event caterers, and meal prep services.
- Code
- 5811
- Category group
- Miscellaneous Stores
- Risk rating
- Standard risk
Which businesses use MCC 5811?
Acquiring banks assign MCC 5811 to merchants whose primary line of business is caterers. Common examples include:
- Catering companies
- Event caterers
- Meal prep services
Is MCC 5811 considered high risk?
Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.
How does MCC 5811 affect processing fees?
MCC 5811 determines which interchange category Visa and Mastercard apply to each transaction. Codes in the miscellaneous stores range share interchange programs, so two merchants with the same card mix but different MCCs can pay different wholesale rates.
Payment processing for MCC 5811 merchants
Niche Payments runs a dedicated restaurant payment processing program for businesses classified under MCC 5811. Tableside, counter, and online ordering payments in one place.
- Tip adjust, split checks, and pay-at-table devices
- Cash discount and dual pricing programs
- Online ordering and delivery integrations
Frequently asked questions
What does MCC 5811 mean?
MCC 5811 is the merchant category code for Caterers. Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as catering companies, event caterers, and meal prep services.
Is MCC 5811 high risk?
MCC 5811 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 5811?
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 5811 does not describe the primary line of business.