MCC 5912: Drug Stores and Pharmacies

MCC 5912 is the merchant category code for drug stores and pharmacies. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as retail pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and online pharmacies.

Code
5912
Category group
Miscellaneous Stores
Risk rating
Elevated risk

Which businesses use MCC 5912?

Acquiring banks assign MCC 5912 to merchants whose primary line of business is drug stores and pharmacies. Common examples include:

  • Retail pharmacies
  • Compounding pharmacies
  • Online pharmacies

Is MCC 5912 considered high risk?

Acquirers review this MCC more closely because of card-not-present volume, refund rates, or chargeback history. Expect extra documentation and possible volume caps.

How does MCC 5912 affect processing fees?

MCC 5912 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 5912 merchants

Niche Payments runs a dedicated healthcare payment processing program for businesses classified under MCC 5912. Patient payments that fit how your practice actually runs.

  • HIPAA-aware card storage and patient payment plans
  • HSA and FSA card acceptance at the front desk and online
  • Text-to-pay and patient portal invoicing

Frequently asked questions

What does MCC 5912 mean?

MCC 5912 is the merchant category code for Drug Stores and Pharmacies. Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as retail pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and online pharmacies.

Is MCC 5912 high risk?

MCC 5912 is generally rated elevated risk. Acquirers review this MCC more closely because of card-not-present volume, refund rates, or chargeback history. Expect extra documentation and possible volume caps.

Can a business change its MCC from 5912?

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 5912 does not describe the primary line of business.