Automotive Tire Stores
Retail of automotive tyres and related fitting services.
What MCC 5532 covers
Merchant Category Code 5532 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for automotive tire stores. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Retail of automotive tyres and related fitting services. 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 5532 covers businesses specialising in the retail of automotive tyres and associated fitting services. Ticket sizes are typically moderate to high, ranging from hundreds to over a thousand pounds, depending on the vehicle and tyre type.
Purchase frequency is low for individual customers, usually every few years.
Chargebacks are infrequent but can occur due to disputes over fitting errors, quality of tyres, or miscommunication regarding services. 'Services not as described' or 'defective merchandise' are common themes.
There are no specific scheme programmes for this MCC. Cardflo's flexible solutions for combined product and service sales, including options for pre-authorisation and final capture after service, can benefit these merchants by streamlining payment workflows and accommodating varying service outcomes.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low-risk standard board. Standard processing terms apply without specific reserve requirements under normal operating conditions.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5532
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 5532 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
How can tyre retailers prevent 'services not as described' disputes related to tyre fitting?
To prevent 'services not as described' disputes, tyre retailers should provide detailed invoices outlining all services rendered, including balancing, alignment, and disposal. Obtaining customer signatures upon completion of work, confirming satisfaction, can also serve as strong evidence during a dispute.
Are there any specific card network rules for automotive service businesses?
While no specific MCC-level rules exist, merchants should be aware of rules regarding pre-authorisations. For example, if a customer authorises a charge for tyres but additional services are required (e.
g. , wheel alignment), a new authorisation or a clear upcharge notification and consent is needed to avoid disputes over the final amount being higher than initially expected.
What evidence is best for defending a 'defective merchandise' chargeback on tyres?
For 'defective merchandise' chargebacks on tyres, merchants should retain detailed records of the tyre's brand, model, date of sale, and any manufacturer warranties.
Photographic evidence of the alleged defect, an inspection report from a qualified technician, and proof of proper installation/balancing are crucial for dispute resolution.
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