MCC 5812 — Eating places and restaurants
MCC 5812 is the merchant category code for eating places and restaurants. It's classified as low risk, priced in the Standard Retail interchange group, and held to a chargeback threshold of 1.0% (Visa/MC).
5812
Low risk
Standard Retail
1.0% (Visa/MC)
What is MCC 5812?
MCC 5812 is the four-digit merchant category code that Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover use to classify eating places and restaurants. Merchant classification for Eating places and restaurants. The acquiring bank assigns it when it approves your merchant account, and from that point it drives your interchange pricing, your default chargeback thresholds, and whether your account is flagged for enhanced monitoring. Booking under the correct MCC from day one is part of what a specialized high-risk merchant account provider does that a generic flat-rate aggregator often skips. Check the payments glossary for the terms behind each field, or browse the full MCC directory to compare classifications.
Is Eating places and restaurants high risk?
MCC 5812 (eating places and restaurants) is generally treated as low risk, so most processors will board it on standard terms. That said, the right MCC still matters — it sets your interchange pricing and the chargeback thresholds your account is measured against.
Low chargeback risk. Generally physical terminal environments.
Maintain clear signage regarding tip inclusion and refund procedures.
What else falls under Food & Beverage?
MCC 5812 sits within the Food & Beverage group, which spans 6 classifications. Businesses that get boarded here often also match one of these adjacent codes:
How to get a merchant account for MCC 5812
Whether you're a new business, scaling your volume, or switching processors after a decline, approval under MCC 5812 follows the same four steps — human underwriting, a dedicated MID, and chargeback monitoring built in. Here's why merchants choose Gray Merchants to board this classification.
Apply in minutes
Tell us about your business and volume. We confirm MCC 5812 is the right classification for what you sell.
Underwriting review
A human underwriter reviews your documents and history — no black-box scoring, a decision typically inside 24–48 hours.
Written terms
You see every rate, reserve, and account term in writing before you sign. $0 setup fee, dedicated MID.
Go live
Connect your gateway and start processing, with chargeback monitoring in place from day one.
MCC 5812 questions
What is MCC 5812?
MCC 5812 is the four-digit merchant category code card networks assign to eating places and restaurants. Merchant classification for Eating places and restaurants. It determines the interchange pricing, risk tier, and chargeback thresholds your merchant account is held to.
Is Eating places and restaurants considered high risk?
MCC 5812 (eating places and restaurants) is generally treated as low risk, so most processors will board it on standard terms. That said, the right MCC still matters — it sets your interchange pricing and the chargeback thresholds your account is measured against.
What chargeback threshold applies to MCC 5812?
The working threshold for MCC 5812 is 1.0% (Visa/MC). Crossing it repeatedly can push an account into a card-network monitoring program, so accounts in this category are underwritten with that ceiling in mind.
Can I get a merchant account under MCC 5812?
Yes. Gray Merchants boards eating places and restaurants through acquiring banks that underwrite this classification directly, with a dedicated MID, written terms before you sign, and a $0 setup fee. Apply and a specialist prepares your quote.
How do I reduce chargebacks under MCC 5812?
Maintain clear signage regarding tip inclusion and refund procedures.
MCC codes similar to 5812
Not sure which classification fits? Compare the closest codes, or talk to a specialist and we'll confirm the right MCC for your business.