Merchant category codes for marketplaces and online platforms
Marketplaces do not have one merchant category code. A platform is usually coded for what it mainly sells, so a craft marketplace sits under retail codes, a booking platform under travel or services, and a digital platform under 5818 or 7372. The right code is agreed with your provider when the account is opened.
Merchant category codes for marketplaces and platforms
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5818 | Digital goods, mixed categories | Industry guide |
| 7372 | Software development and IT systems | Industry guide |
| 5999 | Specialist and other retail | Industry guide |
| 5399 | General merchandise stores | Retail payments |
| 4816 | Web hosting, internet and online information services | Industry guide |
Which code a marketplace uses
A marketplace that sells many kinds of product is coded for its main activity. Getting this right at the start, and telling your provider when the mix changes, keeps the account aligned with the business.
Sellers and refunds
Buyer protection, clear refund rules and confirmed delivery are what keep a marketplace's dispute rate under control.
Volume and peaks
Campaigns and seasonal peaks drive big swings in volume. Forecasting them openly lets the account handle them as normal trading.
Card payments for marketplaces and platforms, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
A marketplace is only as trustworthy as its worst seller. The platforms that last are the ones that remove bad sellers faster than they recruit new ones.
Removing bad sellers matters, and so does how buyers are treated when it goes wrong. A fast refund from the platform keeps the buyer and the account in good shape.
What to check in a card payments setup for marketplaces and platforms
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
Hosted checkout or API
Integration that fits your platform.
Peaks forecast up front
Campaign volume expected.
Next working day settlement
No rolling reserve on platform takings.
Questions about merchant category codes for marketplaces and platforms
What MCC does a marketplace use?
Marketplaces are usually coded for their main activity. Digital platforms often use 5818 or 7372, and goods marketplaces use the retail code for their main category.
Can a multi seller marketplace get a merchant account?
Yes. eCom Pay works with multi seller marketplaces case by case.
Do booking platforms need a different code?
Usually they are coded for what is booked, for example travel or hospitality.
More industry guides
Card payments for marketplaces and platforms, 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.