Drug Stores and Pharmacies

MCC 5912 Payment Processing Guide

Understanding MCC 5912 for drug stores and pharmacies is essential for proper payment processing setup. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using this merchant category code.

What is MCC 5912?

MCC 5912 is designated for drug stores and pharmacies. This merchant category code is classified as low risk by payment processors and is commonly used by businesses such as pharmacies, drug stores, medical supplies.

Key Features and Requirements

• Risk Classification: low risk level affects processing rates and requirements
• Business Types: Suitable for pharmacies, drug stores, medical supplies, health retailers
• Category: Part of the retail outlet services merchant category
• Processing Considerations: Low-risk with insurance and prescription processing requirements. May need HIPAA compliance and integration with pharmacy systems.
• Typical Limits: Daily: $10,000 - $100,000, Per Transaction: $1,000 - $10,000

Compliance Requirements

• PCI DSS compliance for card data security
• Adherence to card brand rules and regulations
• Accurate transaction descriptors and coding

Fraud Prevention Best Practices

• Implement address verification (AVS) for all transactions
• Use CVV verification for card-not-present transactions
• Monitor for unusual transaction patterns
• Set appropriate transaction limits
• Review high-value transactions manually
• Keep customer communication records
• Use fraud detection tools provided by processor

Seasonal Business Patterns

Peak seasons typically include holiday shopping periods (November-December) and back-to-school season (August-September). Plan for increased transaction volumes and ensure adequate processing capacity.

Common Application Decline Reasons

Technical Integration Notes

Integration for MCC 5912 businesses typically involves standard payment gateway APIs. Point-of-sale (POS) system integration is common, with support for both card-present and card-not-present transactions. Ensure your integration supports proper transaction coding and includes all required fields for low-risk processing.

Benefits of Using MCC 5912

• Accurate Classification: Ensures your business is properly categorized for optimal processing
• Appropriate Rates: Access to competitive rates for your business type
• Compliance: Meets industry standards and payment network requirements
• Risk Management: Proper classification helps with fraud prevention and risk assessment

Getting Started with MCC 5912

To set up payment processing with MCC 5912, you'll need to work with a qualified payment processor who understands the requirements for drug stores and pharmacies:

1. Documentation: Gather necessary business documentation and licenses
2. Application: Complete merchant account application with MCC 5912
3. Underwriting: Payment processor reviews your application and business model
4. Setup: Configure payment processing systems and integrate with your business
5. Testing: Test payment processing before going live