Pharmacy merchant category codes for UK online pharmacies
Pharmacies and chemists use merchant category code 5912, and pharmaceutical wholesalers use 5122. Mastercard's rules are clear that prescription medicines belong under one of these two codes and nowhere else, which is why an online pharmacy needs a payment provider that sets the account up for pharmacy from the start.
Merchant category codes for online pharmacies
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5912 | Pharmacies and chemists | Healthcare payments |
| 5122 | Prescription medicines and pharmaceutical wholesale | Healthcare payments |
| 5047 | Medical, dental and laboratory equipment | Healthcare payments |
| 5975 | Hearing aid suppliers | Healthcare payments |
| 5976 | Orthopaedic and mobility goods | Healthcare payments |
Why the pharmacy code matters
A pharmacy website can sell sun cream, vitamins and prescription medicines from the same basket. Card issuers and the card schemes care about which of those they are looking at, and the merchant category code is how they tell. Getting the code right from day one is what keeps an account stable when the product range grows.
Prescriptions, repeats and subscriptions
Repeat prescriptions are a recurring payment in all but name. Storing the card as a token at the first order means repeat orders can be charged without asking for the card again, and a clear billing name on the statement means the patient recognises the charge months later.
Most pharmacy disputes come from three places. Late delivery, a charge the patient does not recognise, and a repeat order they forgot they had set up. All three are easier to prevent than to fight.
Online and at the counter
Many online pharmacies also run a physical premises. Taking card payments at the counter and online on one account keeps the books in one place and gives a single view of takings.
Card payments for online pharmacies, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
A GPhC registered pharmacy is one of the most regulated businesses that will ever take a card payment. Treating it like a general health shop is backwards. The registration should open doors, not close them.
Repeat prescriptions should be billed like subscriptions, with a reminder before every charge. Pharmacies that do this see far fewer disputes, and patients trust them more for it.
Samantha is right on registration, but it only helps if the checkout shows it. Put the GPhC number, the prescriber and the consultation step where a customer can see them before they pay.
What to check in a card payments setup for online pharmacies
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
Products approved in writing
What you sell is recorded in your merchant agreement, so nothing surprises anyone later.
Tokenised repeat billing
Repeat prescriptions charged to a stored token with a clear billing name.
People who know pharmacy
A specialist who understands dispensing on the end of the phone, 24/7.
Questions about merchant category codes for online pharmacies
What is the MCC for an online pharmacy?
Pharmacies and chemists, online and on the high street, use 5912. Pharmaceutical wholesalers use 5122. Mastercard's rules say the sale of prescription medicines must use one of these two codes.
Can an online pharmacy sell prescription medicines by card in the UK?
Yes. A GPhC registered pharmacy with a prescriber in the loop can take card payments for prescription medicines on an account set up for pharmacy.
How do pharmacies reduce chargebacks?
Clear delivery tracking, a billing name the patient recognises, and a reminder before each repeat order. Those three cover most pharmacy disputes.
More industry guides
Card payments for online pharmacies, set up properly
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