MCC 8220: Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
MCC 8220 is the merchant category code for colleges, universities, and professional schools. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as colleges, universities, and trade schools.
- Code
- 8220
- Category group
- Professional Services and Membership Organizations
- Risk rating
- Standard risk
Which businesses use MCC 8220?
Acquiring banks assign MCC 8220 to merchants whose primary line of business is colleges, universities, and professional schools. Common examples include:
- Colleges
- Universities
- Trade schools
Is MCC 8220 considered high risk?
Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.
How does MCC 8220 affect processing fees?
MCC 8220 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 8220 mean?
MCC 8220 is the merchant category code for Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools. Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as colleges, universities, and trade schools.
Is MCC 8220 high risk?
MCC 8220 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 8220?
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 8220 does not describe the primary line of business.