EXPANDED MERCHANT GUIDE · VISA · OCTOBER 2026
MCC 5699:
Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Shops
Specialized apparel retail. Ordinary specialty-apparel sales generally deliver tangible stock promptly; custom, preorder or remote-selling models need additional context.
View the source & scope ↓THE CLASSIFICATION
What does MCC 5699 cover?
Specialized apparel retail.
The code belongs to the Clothing & accessories group in this directory. The acquirer must confirm the appropriate assignment for the merchant and the relevant card network.
ILLUSTRATIVE BUSINESS FIT
What could a matching business look like?
- A swimwear-focused retailer
- A T-shirt specialist
- A formalwear specialty shop
These examples illustrate the classification. They are not verified NUMUS customers or confirmed transaction-level assignments.
LOOK BEYOND THE LABEL
Risk & provider review
Ordinary specialty-apparel sales generally deliver tangible stock promptly; custom, preorder or remote-selling models need additional context.
Why this category sits here
- Specialty merchandise
- Return handling
Operating assumptions
Ordinary lawful stocked merchandise, transparent pricing and prompt handover or documented delivery.
What could raise the risk?
- Long custom-order lead times
- High remote-return volume
Assessment basis: Individual business-category assessment. This is an editorial category assessment, not a bank’s rating, an individual merchant decision, a forecast of losses or a promise of approval.
How we assess risk & source references ↗No specific high-integrity-risk flag is reproduced here from the reviewed Visa classification section. This is not an exemption or a finding that no other requirements apply.
Questions worth preparing
- What products account for most revenue?
- Are items stocked, made to order or sold as preorders?
- How are sizing issues, returns and shipping expectations communicated?
Your provider may also ask about transaction size, monthly volume, refunds, disputes, customer locations and delivery timing. Use your actual business facts when discussing the code.
THE DISTINCTIONS MATTER
Nearby codes to understand
Compare the definitions rather than choosing whichever code appears more favorable. Separate activities or network rules can change the correct treatment.
CHECK THE REFERENCE
Source, date & scope
Code and classification reference: Visa Merchant Data Standards Manual, October 2026. Directory reviewed November 3, 2026.
Visa source · PDF page 70 · printed page 67 ↗Network descriptions and requirements can differ. This entry does not assert complete Mastercard coverage. Confirm current classifications and any special registration requirements with your acquirer.
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THE BUSINESS BEHIND THE CODE
Find processing that fits
your actual business.
Your MCC is one piece of the conversation. Tell NUMUS what you sell, how you deliver it, and how your customers pay. We’ll help you take the next step.