MCC 5965: Direct Marketing (Combination Catalog and Retail Merchant)

MCC 5965 is the merchant category code for direct marketing (combination catalog and retail merchant). Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as omnichannel retailers, and catalog and storefront brands.

Code
5965
Category group
Miscellaneous Stores
Risk rating
Elevated risk

Which businesses use MCC 5965?

Acquiring banks assign MCC 5965 to merchants whose primary line of business is direct marketing (combination catalog and retail merchant). Common examples include:

  • Omnichannel retailers
  • Catalog and storefront brands

Is MCC 5965 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 5965 affect processing fees?

MCC 5965 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 5965 merchants

Niche Payments runs a dedicated ecommerce payment processing program for businesses classified under MCC 5965. Card-not-present processing that scales with your store.

  • Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom checkout integrations
  • Subscription and recurring billing with smart retries
  • Chargeback alerts and 3-D Secure to protect card-not-present sales

Frequently asked questions

What does MCC 5965 mean?

MCC 5965 is the merchant category code for Direct Marketing (Combination Catalog and Retail Merchant). Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as omnichannel retailers, and catalog and storefront brands.

Is MCC 5965 high risk?

MCC 5965 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 5965?

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 5965 does not describe the primary line of business.