Vape and tobacco merchant category codes
Tobacco, cigar and vape shops commonly use merchant category code 5993, and Mastercard's rules point the sale of tobacco products to this code. Vape retailers selling online need age checks at checkout and on delivery, and an account set up for the sector so it stays open as they grow.
Merchant category codes for vape and tobacco
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5993 | Tobacco, cigar and vape shops | Retail payments |
| 5999 | Specialist and other retail | Industry guide |
| 5499 | Convenience stores, delis and specialist food shops | Industry guide |
Online and in store
Most vape businesses now trade on both a high street counter and a website. Running both on one account keeps stock, takings and settlement in one place. The shop needs a reliable card machine, and the website needs a gateway that works with its platform, whether that is WooCommerce, Shopify or something else.
Age verification
Selling nicotine products online means checking age at checkout and again on delivery. Recording that the check happened is good practice and strong evidence if a payment is ever questioned.
Products and compliance
Compliant ranges sold from notified products are the norm for well run vape retailers. The products you sell should be recorded in your merchant agreement so the account reflects the business you run.
Card payments for vape and tobacco, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
In my experience, well run vape shops have some of the cleanest dispute records on the high street. Age checks and clear receipts say more about a vape merchant than the product on the shelf.
From the healthcare side, I would add that age checks are not a box to tick. A merchant who can show how every online order was verified is a far easier conversation for everyone.
What to check in a card payments setup for vape and tobacco
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
One account, counter and online
A card machine and a website gateway settling together.
Products approved in writing
No account closed later because someone noticed what you sell.
No rolling reserve
Next working day settlement for vape retailers, as for every merchant.
Questions about merchant category codes for vape and tobacco
What is the MCC for a vape shop?
Vape shops commonly use 5993, the code for tobacco, cigar and related shops. Mastercard's rules point the sale of tobacco products to this code.
Can an online vape shop take card payments?
Yes, with age verification at checkout and on delivery and an account set up for vape retail.
Does eCom Pay work with WooCommerce and Shopify vape stores?
Yes. WooCommerce, Shopify, PrestaShop, Adobe Commerce, OpenCart and custom builds are all supported.
More industry guides
Card payments for vape and tobacco, 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.