What is MCC 5691: Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores
Merchant Category Code (MCC) 5691 is a four-digit classification used by payment processors, banks, and card networks to identify businesses whose primary activity is selling men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. This code is assigned when a business sets up a merchant account and helps categorise transactions, determine processing fees, and ensure compliance with industry standards. For consumers, MCC 5691 makes it easy to recognise clothing purchases on their credit card statements, providing transparency and helping them keep track of their spending.
Types of Businesses Under MCC 5691
MCC 5691 covers a wide range of retail operations focused on men’s and women’s apparel. Businesses that fall under this code typically include:
- High street clothing boutiques specialising in men’s, women’s, or unisex fashion.
- Online clothing retailers that sell a variety of apparel and accessories for adults.
- Chain clothing stores with multiple locations offering mainstream or designer brands.
- Specialist shops focusing on workwear, evening attire, or seasonal collections for adults.
- Accessory retailers that primarily sell items such as hats, scarves, belts, and handbags, provided these are marketed alongside adult clothing.
It is important to note that shops focusing exclusively on children’s clothing (MCC 5641), shoes (MCC 5661), or family apparel (MCC 5651) have their own distinct codes.
Key Payment Considerations and Capabilities for MCC 5691
A business under MCC 5691 (Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores) should support a range of payment capabilities to meet customer expectations, improve operational efficiency, and ensure security. Here’s what these capabilities are and why they matter:
Acceptance of Major Credit and Debit Cards
Most customers still prefer to pay with cards. Supporting Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and other major cards ensures you cater to the broadest customer base and avoid losing sales due to limited payment options.
Omnichannel Payment Provider
a solution that allows them to accept payments seamlessly across all sales channels, both online and in-store, through a single payment partner. This unified system simplifies reconciliation, provides a consistent payment experience for customers regardless of channel, and centralises transaction data for easier management and improved security.
Contactless and Mobile Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Contactless payments offer a fast, convenient, and hygienic way to pay, completing transactions in just 1–2 seconds, which is 60% faster than chip payments. In busy retail settings, this speed reduces queues, improves customer satisfaction, and encourages repeat visits.
Fraud Protection and Chargeback Management
Clothing stores, especially online, can be targets for fraudulent activity. Advanced fraud detection and chargeback management tools help protect your business from financial loss and reputational damage.
Integration with POS Systems
Easy integration with your point-of-sale (POS) systems simplifies sales processing, inventory tracking, and reporting. This helps staff process transactions quickly and accurately, improving the overall shopping experience.
Supporting these payment capabilities ensures that a clothing retailer under MCC 5691 can provide a convenient, secure, and efficient shopping experience, while also simplifying business operations and improving financial health.
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