MCC 8398: Charitable and Social Service Organizations
MCC 8398 is the merchant category code for charitable and social service organizations. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express assign it to businesses such as nonprofits, charities, and donation platforms.
- Code
- 8398
- Category group
- Professional Services and Membership Organizations
- Risk rating
- Standard risk
Which businesses use MCC 8398?
Acquiring banks assign MCC 8398 to merchants whose primary line of business is charitable and social service organizations. Common examples include:
- Nonprofits
- Charities
- Donation platforms
Is MCC 8398 considered high risk?
Most acquirers approve this MCC with standard underwriting, no rolling reserve, and access to the lowest interchange categories.
How does MCC 8398 affect processing fees?
MCC 8398 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 8398 mean?
MCC 8398 is the merchant category code for Charitable and Social Service Organizations. Card networks use it to classify transactions from businesses such as nonprofits, charities, and donation platforms.
Is MCC 8398 high risk?
MCC 8398 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 8398?
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 8398 does not describe the primary line of business.