Dating site merchant category code 7273
Dating and introduction services, including dating apps, matchmaking agencies and introduction websites, use merchant category code 7273. Most dating platforms charge by membership, so the way renewals are billed and described on statements decides how many disputes they see.
Merchant category codes for dating
The codes businesses in this sector come across most. Your provider sets the code when your account is opened, based on what you tell them about how you trade.
| Code | Industry | More |
|---|---|---|
| 7273 | Dating and introduction services | Ecommerce payments |
| 5968 | Subscription and continuity sellers | Industry guide |
| 4816 | Web hosting, internet and online information services | Industry guide |
Memberships and renewals
Most dating platforms run on monthly or multi month memberships that renew automatically. A reminder before each renewal and a clear way to cancel are the two settings that matter most.
Discretion and recognition
Members often prefer a discreet name on their statement. The trick is making it discreet without making it unrecognisable, because a charge nobody recognises becomes a dispute.
Verification
Profile verification protects members and the platform. It also shows card issuers that the platform is run properly.
Card payments for dating, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
Dating platforms that hide their name on the statement to protect members end up with more chargebacks than the ones that do not. Discreet is fine. Unrecognisable is expensive.
Discreet billing protects members, so I understand why platforms use it. The fix is a recognisable name and a support link on the statement, not a choice between privacy and clarity.
What to check in a card payments setup for dating
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
Renewal reminders
A notice before each automatic renewal.
A billing name members recognise
Discreet, never anonymous.
Next working day settlement
No rolling reserve on a membership book.
Questions about merchant category codes for dating
What is the MCC for a dating website?
Dating and introduction services use 7273.
Can a dating app take card payments in the UK?
Yes. Registered dating platforms can take card payments for memberships and in app purchases on an account set up for the sector.
How do dating sites reduce chargebacks?
Renewal reminders, easy cancellation and a billing name members recognise prevent most dating disputes.
More industry guides
Card payments for dating, set up properly
Approved in 24 hours once your documents are in, settled the next working day with no rolling reserve, and a UK team on the phone 24/7.