Fireplace, Fireplace Screens & Accessories.
Fireplaces, hearth products and accessories.
- MCC
- 5718
- Category
- Miscellaneous Stores
- Cardflo support
- Yes
What MCC 5718 covers
Merchant Category Code 5718 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for fireplace, fireplace screens & accessories. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Fireplaces, hearth products and accessories. 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 5718 includes retailers of fireplaces, fireplace screens, and related accessories. Ticket sizes are highly variable, from small accessories to expensive fireplace installations.
Purchase frequency is very low, as these are significant home improvement purchases.
Chargebacks are infrequent but can stem from 'damaged goods', 'failure to meet expectations' regarding performance or aesthetic, or 'non-receipt' for online orders, particularly for bulky or specialist items. Installation-related issues, if offered by the merchant, can also lead to disputes.
Cardflo's acquiring network includes specialist acquirers experienced in handling higher-value domestic and international transactions, offering improved stability and support for merchants dealing with occasional, high-ticket sales.
Merchants in this sector should prioritise robust product descriptions and imagery, especially for bespoke items or installations, to manage customer expectations effectively. For higher ticket sales, particularly those involving installation, consider using 3DS2 for strong customer authentication.
Given the variable ticket sizes and potential for service-related disputes, ensure clear cancellation and return policies are highly visible. Implement multi-acquirer routing to optimise approval rates, especially for larger transactions, and use intelligent recovery tools for soft declines.
Reserve expectations are low unless material defect or installation issues become prevalent.
Acquirer and acquirer assessment stance.
Low-risk standard board. Risk is generally low due to the tangible nature of products.
Standard monitoring applies. No reserve expectations unless a pattern of material defect or installation-related disputes arises.
Dispute and chargeback profile.
The most common chargeback reason codes are likely to be 13.1 / 4853 (merchandise not as described) if the item fails to meet aesthetic or functional expectations, and 13.3 / 4855 (merchandise not received) for bulky deliveries.
To combat 'not as described', provide detailed specifications and high-resolution photos. For 'not received', maintain comprehensive delivery tracking, proof of delivery, and photographic evidence for doorstep drops, especially for large, easily damaged goods.
See also: chargeback management · payment response codes · Compelling Evidence 3.0.
Book a scoping call to see how Cardflo would set you up.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5718
- Placement with acquirers that actively board MCC 5718 businesses in your region.
- MCC review during onboarding to confirm the right code for your products.
- Reclassification support if scheme rules or product mix change post-launch.
- Multi-acquirer routing to keep approvals stable for broad merchant categories.
- Dispute support tuned to the mixed-product chargeback profile this MCC sees.
- Dedicated onboarding manager rather than a generic ticket queue.
Payment methods typically enabled.
Onboarding checklist.
What acquirers typically ask to see when boarding MCC 5718. Cardflo collects this once and reuses it across every acquirer we route you through.
- Business registration and beneficial-owner documentation (KYB, UBO).
- Six months of processing statements or bank statements demonstrating trading pattern.
- Product catalogue extract confirming the MCC covers the goods actually sold.
- Refund, exchange and cancellation policy shown at point of sale and on the website.
- PCI DSS SAQ appropriate to the environment (A, A-EP or D as relevant).
- Website terms of service, privacy policy and clear merchant descriptor.
See also: Know Your Customer (KYC) · high-risk merchant · smart routing.
Talk to an acquiring specialist about your MID setup.
Common questions
What specific shipping and delivery considerations apply to heavy or fragile fireplace components to prevent chargebacks?
Merchants must use reputable carriers experienced with specialist freight, ensure adequate packaging, and include insurance. Providing customers with accurate tracking information and requiring a signed delivery receipt that confirms goods were received in good condition is vital.
This mitigates 'damaged goods' (Visa 13.3) and 'merchandise not received' (Mastercard 4855) disputes.
Are there specific refund guidelines for uninstalled or returned fireplace units?
Clear refund policies, particularly distinguishing between faulty and unwanted items, are crucial. For uninstalled units, a full refund might be expected within a reasonable return window.
For items that have been installed or show signs of use, merchants should document any depreciation or restocking fees in their terms and conditions, adhering to consumer protection laws.
How can Cardflo assist with the compliance requirements for selling regulated items like gas or solid fuel fireplaces?
While Cardflo does not directly advise on product compliance, its platform ensures that all transactions are processed securely and compliantly from a payment perspective.
For regulated items, proof of appropriate certification (e. g. , Gas Safe registration for installers) and documentation provided to the customer can be uploaded via Cardflo's chargeback tooling during a dispute, demonstrating good practice.
How can I reduce chargebacks related to installation services for fireplaces and accessories?
Chargebacks for installation services, often falling under 'services not as described' (Visa code 13.1) or 'cancelled services' (Mastercard code 4849), are best mitigated with clear, written service agreements detailing scope of work, timelines, and customer responsibilities. Require customer sign-off on job completion and satisfaction.
Keep dated photographic evidence of the completed installation. For any remedial work, document all communications and actions taken.
Offer a satisfaction guarantee with a well-defined resolution process to address issues proactively before they escalate to a chargeback, demonstrating earnest attempts to resolve customer dissatisfaction.
What specific payment methods are most suitable for high-value fireplace purchases to minimise fraud and disputes?
For high-value fireplace purchases, prioritising secure payment methods is crucial. Implementing 3D Secure 2 (3DS2) for card transactions shifts liability for certain types of fraud to the issuer, significantly reducing merchant risk.
For very large transactions, consider offering bank transfers or utilising APMs with strong buyer protection, such as those that integrate directly with bank accounts for instant payment. Keep comprehensive records of all customer communications, especially for custom orders.
Ensure the delivery address matches the billing address, and always use signed-for delivery services with tracking, providing robust evidence against 'non-receipt' claims.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
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Related features.
Related guides.
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