Used Merchandise & Secondhand Stores
Thrift, consignment and second-hand retailers.
What MCC 5931 covers
Merchant Category Code 5931 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for used merchandise & secondhand stores. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Thrift, consignment and second-hand retailers. 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 5931 encompasses second-hand goods stores, thrift shops, and consignment retailers. Transaction values are typically low to medium, with varying frequency depending on the novelty and value of items.
Chargebacks are generally low, primarily stemming from misrepresented item condition for online sales, non-receipt, or sizing issues for clothing. Card-not-present fraud risk exists for high-value designer items or electronics.
There are no specific scheme programmes for second-hand goods, but robust item descriptions and clear return policies are crucial. Cardflo's flexible payment gateway supports detailed transaction data, which helps in dispute resolution, and our chargeback representment tools assist merchants in fighting false claims.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low-risk standard board for most operations. High-value consignment or luxury second-hand goods online might warrant a medium-risk assessment with monitoring, but generally no reserve is required.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5931
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 5931 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.
Payment methods typically enabled
Common questions
What are common chargeback reasons for second-hand goods retailers and how can they be mitigated?
Common chargeback reasons include 'merchandise not as described' due to discrepancies in condition, authenticity concerns, or 'non-receipt' for online orders. Mitigation strategies include providing highly detailed product descriptions, clear photographs, transparent grading systems for item condition, and robust shipping tracking.
Cardflo's chargeback tooling can help merchants submit compelling evidence to dispute these claims effectively.
Are second-hand retailers subject to specific scheme rules regarding authenticity?
While schemes do not have specific rules unique to the authenticity of second-hand goods, general scheme rules regarding misrepresentation and customer satisfaction apply. Merchants must ensure that items sold are as described and legitimate, particularly for designer or branded goods.
Poor practices can lead to elevated chargeback rates, which can trigger scheme monitoring programmes like Visa's Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) or Mastercard's Excessive Chargeback Programme (ECP).
How does Cardflo's platform support second-hand retailers with inventory management and payments?
Cardflo's payment gateway can integrate with various e-commerce platforms and inventory management systems, allowing second-hand retailers to accurately track unique items and process payments efficiently.
This integration helps ensure that items are accurately depicted and payment corresponds to available stock, reducing issues related to incorrect inventory or selling items that are no longer available, which can minimise disputes.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
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