MCC 8043: Opticians, Optical Goods, and Eyeglasses

MCC 8043 is the merchant category code for opticians, optical goods, and eyeglasses. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as optical shops, eyewear retailers, and online glasses stores.

Code
8043
Category group
Professional Services and Membership Organizations
Risk rating
Standard risk

Which businesses use MCC 8043?

Acquiring banks assign MCC 8043 to merchants whose primary line of business is opticians, optical goods, and eyeglasses. Common examples include:

  • Optical shops
  • Eyewear retailers
  • Online glasses stores

Is MCC 8043 considered high risk?

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

How does MCC 8043 affect processing fees?

MCC 8043 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 8043 merchants

Niche Payments runs a dedicated healthcare payment processing program for businesses classified under MCC 8043. 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 8043 mean?

MCC 8043 is the merchant category code for Opticians, Optical Goods, and Eyeglasses. Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as optical shops, eyewear retailers, and online glasses stores.

Is MCC 8043 high risk?

MCC 8043 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 8043?

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 8043 does not describe the primary line of business.