Wholesale and B2B merchant category codes
Wholesale and B2B suppliers have their own family of merchant category codes, from 5013 to 5199. Common ones include 5099 for durable goods, 5122 for pharmaceutical wholesale, 5047 for medical and dental equipment, 5045 for computers and 5021 for office furniture. Invoice values are large and many payments are taken by phone or link.
Merchant category codes for wholesale and B2B
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5099 | Durable goods, wholesale | Wholesale and B2B payments |
| 5199 | Non durable goods, wholesale | Wholesale and B2B payments |
| 5122 | Prescription medicines and pharmaceutical wholesale | Industry guide |
| 5047 | Medical, dental and laboratory equipment | Industry guide |
| 5045 | Computers, peripherals and software, wholesale | Wholesale and B2B payments |
| 5021 | Office and commercial furniture | Wholesale and B2B payments |
| 5065 | Electrical parts and equipment | Wholesale and B2B payments |
| 5085 | Industrial supplies | Wholesale and B2B payments |
| 5172 | Petroleum and fuel products, wholesale | Fuel and forecourt payments |
| 5137 | Uniforms and workwear | Wholesale and B2B payments |
Large invoices on card
Trade buyers increasingly want to pay by card, often on a company card that earns them rewards or extends their cash flow. A supplier that accepts card on large invoices wins orders from buyers who would otherwise go elsewhere.
Pay by link with the invoice
Adding a payment link to every invoice is the simplest change a wholesaler can make. Buyers pay in seconds, the payment is matched to the invoice, and chasing drops.
Commercial cards
Business and purchasing cards are priced differently from consumer cards. Understanding the mix of cards your buyers use is the first step to an account priced properly for B2B.
Card payments for wholesale and B2B, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
Wholesalers who refuse cards to avoid fees are paying for it in late invoices. A payment link on every invoice will get you paid faster than any credit controller.
Cards on invoices work, but set the expectation early. A customer told about card payments at onboarding pays far more happily than one who finds a link on a final reminder.
What to check in a card payments setup for wholesale and B2B
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
Payment links on invoices
Buyers pay the moment the invoice lands.
Large values agreed up front
Invoice sizes priced into the account.
Phone orders on a virtual terminal
Card details taken securely over the phone.
Questions about merchant category codes for wholesale and B2B
What MCC does a wholesaler use?
Wholesale codes run from 5013 to 5199. The most common general code is 5099 for durable goods and 5199 for non durable goods.
What is the MCC for pharmaceutical wholesale?
Pharmaceutical wholesalers use 5122. Medical, dental and laboratory equipment suppliers use 5047.
Can B2B suppliers take large card payments?
Yes, where invoice values are agreed when the account is set up. Payment links and a virtual terminal make it simple.
More industry guides
Card payments for wholesale and B2B, set up properly
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