MCC 8211: Elementary and Secondary Schools
MCC 8211 is the merchant category code for elementary and secondary schools. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as private schools, and K-12 tuition.
- Code
- 8211
- Category group
- Professional Services and Membership Organizations
- Risk rating
- Standard risk
Which businesses use MCC 8211?
Acquiring banks assign MCC 8211 to merchants whose primary line of business is elementary and secondary schools. Common examples include:
- Private schools
- K-12 tuition
Is MCC 8211 considered high risk?
Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.
How does MCC 8211 affect processing fees?
MCC 8211 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.
Frequently asked questions
What does MCC 8211 mean?
MCC 8211 is the merchant category code for Elementary and Secondary Schools. Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as private schools, and K-12 tuition.
Is MCC 8211 high risk?
MCC 8211 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 8211?
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 8211 does not describe the primary line of business.