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MCC 7997 — Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and Private Golf Courses

Assigned to private sports clubs, fitness centres, and recreational membership organisations.

MCC Code

7997

Industry

Leisure & Entertainment

Risk Level

Medium

Overview

MCC 7997 covers private sports clubs, health clubs, fitness centres, and recreational membership organisations. Card payments process monthly subscriptions, joining fees, and ancillary service charges.

Transaction Profile

Mid value, recurring monthly, predominantly CNP, direct debit and card recurring, joining fees and annual memberships

Card Network Notes

Networks require clear disclosure of membership terms, cancellation policies, and auto-renewal conditions. Credential-on-file rules apply for recurring billing.

Risk & Compliance

Risk is medium. Gym and club membership cancellation disputes are a significant chargeback driver. Freezing policies, minimum terms, and auto-renewal practices generate consumer complaints. Business closures leave members with unfulfilled prepaid memberships.

Common Merchants

David Lloyd, Virgin Active, Nuffield Health, PureGym, The Gym Group, Fitness First, Bannatyne, Third Space, Anytime Fitness, CrossFit boxes

Transaction Profile

Mid value, recurring monthly, predominantly CNP, direct debit and card recurring, joining fees and annual memberships

Card Network Notes

Networks require clear disclosure of membership terms, cancellation policies, and auto-renewal conditions. Credential-on-file rules apply for recurring billing.

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