Overview
MCC 5817 covers merchants selling digital applications and software, excluding games (which fall under MCC 5816). This includes app store purchases, productivity software downloads, SaaS subscriptions sold as consumer digital goods, utility apps, and educational applications. The code enables distinct classification of application purchases for interchange and fraud screening purposes.
Transaction Profile
Low value, high frequency, exclusively card-not-present, predominantly subscription-based with free-trial conversions, in-app upgrades
Card Network Notes
MCC 5817 is part of the digital goods range (5815–5818). Visa and Mastercard apply digital goods interchange rates. Standard dispute resolution procedures for digital delivery.
Risk & Compliance
Low to medium risk. Application purchases are predominantly low-value transactions with subscription models generating most disputes. Acquirers should monitor for trial-to-paid conversion chargebacks and ensure merchants provide clear subscription terms, easy cancellation, and transparent billing. Friendly fraud from forgotten subscriptions is the primary chargeback driver.