The Right MCC Code for Tattoo Shops
The standard Merchant Category Code (MCC) that is used by payment processors across the US, UK, EU and Australia for tattoo shops and body piercing studios is 7299 (Miscellaneous General Merchandise / Personal Services). This MCC code is used by payment processors to classify tattoo parlors, body piercing businesses, and similar personal service merchants.
Some processors may also use MCC 5999 (Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores) or MCC 8099 (Medical Services and Health Practitioners Not Elsewhere Classified) the variation depends on how your business is registered and whether you offer medical-grade services or not. The exact MCC will be assigned by the underwriting team after a full review of your application and profile.
Why MCC Matters for Tattoo Shops In US, UK, EU and Australia.
MCC codes directly affect various factors some of these are listed below,
The Interchange fees: Tattoo shops are mostly classified as high-risk by payment processors and this is due to chargeback potential. The High risk classification can very easily lead to higher processing fees.
With the right MCC code tattoo parlors get to see better transaction approval rates in simple terms the right MCC helps avoid unnecessary transaction declines. However if your PSP assigns the wrong MCC code then it can increase the decline ratio and may also result in account shutdown.
Rewards eligibility: Keep in mind that most card rewards programs exclude certain MCCs (like high-risk categories).
Underwriting requirements: Merchants operating in High-risk industry like Tattoo parlor require rolling reserves, strict transaction limits, or comprehensive KYC analysis.
Let Us Know Explore The Best Practices for Tattoo Shop Credit Card Processing
You should use the correct MCC from day one and for this you must ask your payment provider to confirm your MCC is 7299 (or the most accurate code as per your service model)
You should work with a high-risk-friendly processor because not all payment gateways accept tattoo businesses. Try to choose one that is experienced with personal services and body art.
Always try to keep the chargebacks under 1%. remember high chargeback ratios can trigger MCC reclassification or at worst case even account termination.
Use clear transaction descriptors that clearly help your customers identify your business name.
Consider ACH or alternative payments. For large tattoos or deposits, ACH can reduce card processing costs.
Typical Processing Fees for Tattoo Shops
Interchange + Markup 2.9% – 4.5% + $0.10–$0.30 | Varies by processor and risk profile
Monthly Fee $10 – $50 Some processors waive this
Chargeback Fee $15 – $25 Keep chargebacks low
Reserve Requirement 5% – 10% rolling Common for high-risk MCCs
Quick Reference: Tattoo Shop MCC Codes
MCC | Description | Common Use |
7299 Miscellaneous General Merchandise / Personal Services | Tattoo parlors, body piercing
5999 Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores | Retail-focused tattoo shops
8099 Medical Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) | Medical-grade tattooing, permanent makeup
How to Find or Change Your MCC
- Check your merchant statement. MCC is usually listed in your monthly processing report.
- Log into your payment gateway. Most dashboards show your MCC under merchant profile.
- Contact your processor. Ask them to confirm or reclassify your MCC if it’s incorrect.
- Submit documentation. Provide business description, website, and service list to support reclassification.