MCC 5966 covers merchants selling products and services through outbound telemarketing — proactive telephone sales to consumers who have not initiated contact. This includes both product sales and service subscriptions.

Transaction Profile

Low to mid value, moderate frequency, card-not-present only, recurring billing common for subscriptions, high cancellation rates

Card Network Notes

Visa and Mastercard both classify outbound telemarketing as a high-risk category requiring enhanced monitoring. Chargeback thresholds are closely monitored.

Risk & Compliance

High risk. Outbound telemarketing carries significantly elevated chargeback rates due to buyer's remorse, pressure selling, and disputed authorisations. Regulatory restrictions on cold calling are extensive and vary by jurisdiction. Consumer protection enforcement is active.