MCC 5912: Drug Stores & Pharmacies
MDR (IC++)
0.5% - 3%
Markup over interchange + scheme
Rolling reserve
5% - 15%
Typical 180-day hold
Risk tier
Elevated
Typical acquirer treatment
Drug stores, online pharmacies, and CBD retail.
Elevated-tier codes are underwritten selectively. Expect closer file review, moderate reserves, and pricing that rewards a clean chargeback record.
Acquiring notes.
Online pharmacy and CBD retail under this code are really licensing checks wearing a retail code: acquirers verify dispensing permissions, product legality per market, and where applicable scheme registration for pharmaceutical sales. CBD adds product-compliance screening against each scheme list of permitted markets. Catalogue discipline, knowing exactly what you sell where, is the fastest path through underwriting.
Figures are typical ranges from the BZNpay MCC catalogue, not an offer. The acquiring bank makes the final code assignment and sets final terms. BZNpay places merchants in this category: one qualified file brings back 2 or 3 acquirers whose appetite covers it, typically within 24 hours.
MCC 5912 questions.
Who assigns MCC 5912?
Your acquiring bank assigns the MCC during underwriting, based on your business description and, increasingly, site-crawl and checkout review. The card networks define the list of codes and the rules for each one.
What does MCC 5912 cost to process under?
In our catalogue, 5912 typically carries an MDR of 0.5% - 3% IC++ (markup over interchange and scheme fees) with a rolling reserve of 5% - 15%. Where you land in the band depends on licensing where applicable, financials, and chargeback history. Final terms are set by the acquirer.
Can I process under a different, lower-risk code?
No. Operating under an MCC that does not match your actual business is miscoding, which card networks detect and punish with termination plus MATCH-list placement. If you believe your current code genuinely misrepresents your business, an acquirer can review and re-code.
Other codes in Retail, Health & Beauty.
Processing under 5912? Read how we place Nutraceuticals and CBD merchants.