Fuel, forecourt and EV charging merchant category codes
Petrol stations and forecourts use merchant category code 5541, automated fuel pumps 5542, electric vehicle charging 5552, and heating oil, LPG and coal dealers 5983. Fuel wholesale uses 5172. Forecourts take a high volume of payments on thin margins, so speed and cost both matter.
Merchant category codes for fuel and EV charging
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5541 | Petrol stations and forecourts | Fuel and forecourt payments |
| 5542 | Automated fuel pumps | Fuel and forecourt payments |
| 5552 | Electric vehicle charging | Fuel and forecourt payments |
| 5983 | Heating oil, coal, LPG and wood fuel dealers | Fuel and forecourt payments |
| 5172 | Petroleum and fuel products, wholesale | Industry guide |
Pay at pump and pre-authorisation
Automated pumps and EV chargers take a pre-authorisation before fuel or charge is dispensed, then capture the real amount afterwards. Getting the hold amount and release timing right keeps customers happy and disputes low.
The shop and the forecourt
Most forecourts are also convenience stores. Fuel, shop sales and car wash on one account give a single view of takings.
Fuel deliveries and B2B
Heating oil and fuel dealers deliver large orders to homes and businesses. Payment by link before delivery, or by card on the doorstep, keeps cash flow steady.
Card payments for fuel and EV charging, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
EV charging is going to be the biggest new card category in the UK this decade, and most of the payment setups behind it are still borrowed from petrol pumps. Charging is slower, so the hold logic needs to be smarter.
Smarter holds, yes, and clearer receipts too. Drivers want to see the energy used and the price per unit, the same way they would at a pump.
What to check in a card payments setup for fuel and EV charging
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
Pre-authorisation set up properly
Hold, capture and release that match how your pumps or chargers work.
Shop and forecourt together
One account, one settlement.
Next working day settlement
Fuel takings back in the bank fast.
Questions about merchant category codes for fuel and EV charging
What is the MCC for a petrol station?
Petrol stations and forecourts use 5541. Automated fuel pumps use 5542.
What is the MCC for EV charging?
Electric vehicle charging uses 5552.
What MCC do heating oil suppliers use?
Heating oil, coal, LPG and wood fuel dealers use 5983.
More industry guides
Card payments for fuel and EV charging, 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.