Merchant category codes for private clinics, dentists and aesthetics
Private clinics and other health practitioners use merchant category code 8099, private GPs use 8011, dentists 8021 and health and beauty spas 7298. Aesthetics clinics often sit between medical and beauty, so getting the right code is the first step to an account that fits how the clinic actually takes money.
Merchant category codes for clinics and aesthetics
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 8099 | Clinics and other health practitioners | Healthcare payments |
| 8011 | Doctors and private GPs | Healthcare payments |
| 8021 | Dentists and orthodontists | Healthcare payments |
| 8042 | Optometrists and ophthalmologists | Healthcare payments |
| 8043 | Opticians | Healthcare payments |
| 8062 | Private hospitals | Healthcare payments |
| 7298 | Health and beauty spas | Healthcare payments |
| 7230 | Hair and beauty salons and barbers | Home services payments |
Deposits and treatment plans
Clinics take money in three ways. A deposit to secure a consultation or treatment slot, payment on the day, and treatment plans paid in stages. Each is easier for the patient when it is a link they can pay on their phone rather than a call to read out a card number.
Discretion on the statement
Patients care how a payment looks on their bank statement. A billing name that is recognisable but discreet reduces both embarrassment and disputes. It is a small setting that makes a real difference.
Aesthetics and the medical line
Aesthetics treatments sit on a line between medicine and beauty. A clinic run by prescribers, with consent forms and cooling off periods, is a different business from a salon offering the same treatment names. The payment account should reflect which one you are.
Card payments for clinics and aesthetics, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
No-show fees are the most under used tool in private healthcare. A deposit taken by link at booking cuts missed appointments more than any reminder text ever will.
I agree on deposits, but keep them proportionate. A deposit that feels like a penalty puts people off booking at all. A fair amount, refundable with notice, is the sweet spot.
What to check in a card payments setup for clinics and aesthetics
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
Deposits by link
Payment links for consultations and treatment deposits, settled with your other takings.
A discreet billing name
Recognisable to the patient without saying more than it needs to.
One account for desk and online
Card machine at reception and online payments together.
Questions about merchant category codes for clinics and aesthetics
What is the MCC for a private clinic?
Most private clinics and health practitioners use 8099. Private GPs use 8011, dentists and orthodontists 8021, and opticians 8043.
What MCC does an aesthetics clinic use?
It depends on how the clinic operates. Clinics led by medical professionals usually sit under health codes such as 8099, while beauty led businesses sit under 7298 or 7230. Your provider sets it when the account is opened.
Can a clinic charge a deposit for an appointment?
Yes, where the patient agreed to the deposit and cancellation terms when booking. A payment link sent at booking is the simplest way to take it.
More industry guides
Card payments for clinics and aesthetics, set up properly
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