Precious Stones, Metals, Watches & Jewellery
Wholesale of jewellery, gemstones and precious metals.
What MCC 5094 covers
Merchant Category Code 5094 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for precious stones, metals, watches & jewellery. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Wholesale of jewellery, gemstones and precious metals. Choosing the right MCC is critical: an incorrect code can lead to higher interchange, surcharges, or, in regulated categories, declined transactions and account holds.
MCC 5094 identifies wholesale distributors of precious stones, metals, watches, and jewellery. This sector typically serves independent jewellers, bespoke designers, and high-end retail chains.
Transactions are generally of high value, often ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds, and can be infrequent, dependent on market demand and inventory cycles. Given the high value, these businesses often have stringent security measures.
Chargeback potential, while not high in volume, carries significant financial risk due to the product value. Common disputes might include 'goods not as described' if authenticity or quality is questioned, or 'item not received' for high-value shipments.
Fraud is a significant concern, with fraudsters attempting to acquire high-value items via stolen card details.
Rigorous KYC/KYB for B2B clients, secure logistics, and comprehensive insurance are essential. Cardflo provides robust fraud prevention tools and a secure payment gateway capable of handling high-value transactions, along with expert support for navigating potential disputes related to authenticity or delivery.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Medium-risk standard board with monitoring. Due to the high-value nature of goods, fraud monitoring is enhanced.
A small rolling reserve (e. g.
, 5-10% for 90-180 days) may be suggested, especially for newer merchants or those with international trade.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5094
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 5094 businesses in your region.
- High-volume, low-ticket processing tuned for retail authorisation patterns.
- Omnichannel routing across in-store, ecommerce and click-and-collect.
- EMV, contactless and wallet acceptance enabled on a single integration.
- Refund, void and partial-capture flows aligned with retail operations.
Payment methods typically enabled
Common questions
What fraud prevention measures are critical for high-value goods in MCC 5094?
Critical fraud prevention measures include thorough Know Your Business (KYB) checks for new wholesale clients, mandatory 3D Secure for all card transactions, and advanced fraud scoring tools.
For very high-value orders, consider manual review, IP address geolocation checks, and verifying the shipping address against business records. Bank transfers are often preferred for their irrevocability.
How can authenticity disputes be managed for precious goods?
Authenticity disputes can be managed by providing detailed certificates of authenticity with every item, including clear descriptions, hallmarks, and GIA/IGI reports where applicable.
Documenting the item's condition with high-resolution photographs or videos before shipping, and having an expert verify authenticity before dispatch, provides strong evidence in disputes.
Are there specific logistics requirements for shipping precious metals/jewellery?
Yes, shipping precious metals and jewellery requires specialised, insured couriers with secure chain-of-custody protocols. Most general carriers have limitations on high-value items.
Merchants should ensure packages are discreet, require signature on delivery, and are fully insured for replacement value. Tracking and proof of delivery are essential for chargeback defence, especially 'item not received' claims.
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