MCC 8021: Dentists and Orthodontists
MCC 8021 is the merchant category code for dentists and orthodontists. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as dental offices, orthodontists, and oral surgeons.
- Code
- 8021
- Category group
- Professional Services and Membership Organizations
- Risk rating
- Standard risk
Which businesses use MCC 8021?
Acquiring banks assign MCC 8021 to merchants whose primary line of business is dentists and orthodontists. Common examples include:
- Dental offices
- Orthodontists
- Oral surgeons
Is MCC 8021 considered high risk?
Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.
How does MCC 8021 affect processing fees?
MCC 8021 determines which interchange category Visa and Mastercard apply to each transaction. Codes in the professional services and membership organizations range share interchange programs, so two merchants with the same card mix but different MCCs can pay different wholesale rates.
Payment processing for MCC 8021 merchants
Niche Payments runs a dedicated healthcare payment processing program for businesses classified under MCC 8021. 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 8021 mean?
MCC 8021 is the merchant category code for Dentists and Orthodontists. Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as dental offices, orthodontists, and oral surgeons.
Is MCC 8021 high risk?
MCC 8021 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 8021?
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 8021 does not describe the primary line of business.