What is MCC 8999: Professional Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
Merchant Category Code (MCC) 8999 is a general-purpose classification used by payment networks to identify businesses that offer professional services not covered by more specific codes. If a business provides specialised knowledge or advisory services that don’t fall under predefined MCCs such as legal (8111) or accounting (8931), it is typically grouped under MCC 8999.
Payment processors, card issuers and financial institutions use MCCs to determine transaction eligibility, fees, rewards and compliance risk. Understanding how MCC 8999 applies to your business can help you navigate issues related to payment acceptance, chargebacks, and cross-border payments.
What Businesses Qualify for MCC 8999?
MCC 8999 acts as a catch-all for professional service providers that don’t fit within established MCC categories. It offers flexibility for niche or emerging services and is commonly used by businesses operating in advisory, consulting and information-based sectors.
Types of Businesses That Qualify
Businesses commonly classified under MCC 8999 include:
- General and specialised consulting – including business strategy, HR, IT, compliance and sustainability advisors
- Arbitrators and mediators – including those offering legal alternative dispute resolution services
- Translation and interpretation services – especially freelance or remote providers
- Notary publics – offering legal document certification and witnessing
- Professional organisers – including home, office and digital organisation services
- Expert witnesses – consultants providing testimony in legal proceedings
- Career coaching and resume services – including interview training and job search support
Characteristics of MCC 8999 Businesses
- Versatility: Covers a broad spectrum of professional services
- Remote-first: Includes many digital-first and virtual service providers
- Exclusion criteria: Does not include professions with dedicated MCCs (e.g. 8111 for legal, 8720/8931 for accounting, 8299 for educational services)
If a business provides services that do not clearly fall under other MCCs—such as legal, accounting, architectural or educational services—it may be classified under MCC 8999.
What to Look for When Selecting a Payment Service Provider
Businesses under MCC 8999 should look for a payment partner that understands the nuances of professional services and supports growth across markets.
Key factors to consider:
- Global reach: Licensed card acquiring and the accept and send payments in multiple currencies and countries wherever you do business gives services organisations the freedom to scale without managing multiple vendors and integrations.
- Flexible integration options: APIs and plugins that work with your other business systems.
- Fraud protection: Built-in tools to monitor and flag suspicious activity
- Dedicated support: Access to service and onboarding teams who understand the needs of professional service providers
Businesses classified under MCC 8999 provide valuable services that don’t always fit neatly into predefined categories. Selecting the right payment solution helps these businesses operate smoothly, expand globally and maintain a strong reputation with clients.
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