Hobby, Toy & Game Shops.
Hobby, toy and tabletop-game retailers.
- MCC
- 5945
- Category
- Miscellaneous Stores
- Cardflo support
- Yes
What MCC 5945 covers
Merchant Category Code 5945 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for hobby, toy & game shops. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Hobby, toy and tabletop-game 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.
Merchants in MCC 5945 typically sell hobby supplies, toys, and games, ranging from model kits and craft materials to board games and video games. This category includes specialty stores, online retailers, and larger outlets with dedicated sections.
Ticket sizes vary significantly; craft supplies might be low-value recurring purchases, whereas premium hobby items or video game consoles can be high-value, infrequent purchases.
Chargebacks are generally moderate. Common reasons include 'merchandise not received' for online orders, 'merchandise not as described' due to discrepancies between product images and actual items, and 'duplicate processing' for accidental multiple purchases.
Friendly fraud also occurs, particularly with higher-value items like gaming consoles.
Cardflo's chargeback management tools, integrating with issuer systems, can help these merchants contest invalid disputes effectively, especially for 'merchandise not received' through proof of delivery or 'merchandise not as described' with detailed product descriptions and images.
Merchants in this category should prioritise clear product descriptions and high-quality imagery to mitigate 'merchandise not as described' claims, especially for collectibles or craft materials.
For online sales, robust shipping and tracking are crucial to combat 'merchandise not received' disputes, given varying ticket sizes from low-value recurring items to high-value consoles.
Implementing 3DS2 for higher-value online transactions and maintaining excellent customer service, including clear returns policies, will also help manage dispute rates and support a favourable reserve expectation from acquirer partners, often at standard rates given the typically stable consumer behaviour.
Acquirer and acquirer assessment stance.
Low-risk standard board. This MCC typically presents a stable risk profile, with predictable consumer behaviour.
Standard underwriting applies, generally without specific reserve requirements. Monitoring focuses on transaction velocity and customer complaint rates.
Dispute and chargeback profile.
The most common dispute reason codes are likely 13.1 / 4853 (merchandise was not as described) and 13.2 / 4855 (merchandise not received). 'Not as described' might arise from discrepancies between online product photos and the physical item, particularly for unique or artisanal hobby products.
Combat this with detailed descriptions, multiple high-resolution images, and customer reviews. 'Not received' often stems from shipping issues for online orders.
Evidence such as proof of delivery, tracking numbers showing successful delivery, and customer communication around shipping updates is essential to defeat these claims.
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 5945
- Placement with acquirers that actively board MCC 5945 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 5945. 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
How can merchants in MCC 5945 minimise 'merchandise not as described' chargebacks?
Detailed product descriptions, high-resolution images, and customer reviews are crucial. Furthermore, implementing clear return policies and an easy customer service portal can often resolve customer dissatisfaction before it escalates to a chargeback.
Visa's Compelling Evidence 3.0 guidelines allow merchants to submit further validation like product specifications and customer correspondences to refute these disputes effectively.
Are there any scheme-specific programmes for hobby/toy shops?
Not specifically for this MCC; however, general scheme programmes for e-commerce apply. For instance, Mastercard's Acquirer Programme for E-commerce (ECP) focuses on monitoring transaction risk for online merchants, ensuring compliance and mitigating fraud.
Given the moderate fraud risk, merchants should ensure robust fraud detection systems are in place.
What payment methods are most popular for game and hobby purchases?
Beyond traditional cards, the Apple Pay and Google Pay wallets are popular due to convenience. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options like Klarna are increasingly used for higher-value purchases, particularly by younger demographics buying video game consoles or extensive hobby kits.
Cardflo's extensive APM coverage can help capture these varied customer preferences.
What specific payment methods should a hobby shop prioritise to cater to diverse customer preferences and manage risk?
Hobby shops should offer a broad mix of payment methods. For higher-value items like gaming consoles or premium collectibles, traditional card payments (Visa, Mastercard) with 3DS2 authentication are critical for fraud prevention.
For lower-value, recurring purchases like craft supplies, consider offering popular digital wallets (e. g. , Apple Pay, Google Pay) at the point of sale for convenience, improving conversion.
Additionally, local payment methods relevant to your customer base, especially if selling specialist imports, can capture niche markets. Analysing your typical ticket size and product type will help optimise your payment method strategy while maintaining risk at an acceptable level for your acquirer partner.
How can a toy or game retailer minimise disputes related to product functionality or perceived defects, particularly for electronics or complex items?
To minimise disputes regarding product functionality or defects, ensure all electronic toys or complex games are rigorously tested before dispatch, if applicable, and clearly communicate warranty information. Provide comprehensive, easy-to-understand product manuals or links to online support resources.
Create a readily accessible customer service channel for troubleshooting. For online sales, consider adding short video demonstrations of product features.
This proactive approach helps pre-empt 'merchandise not as described' or 'services not rendered' disputes by empowering customers with information and support, reducing the likelihood of them initiating a chargeback when issues arise.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
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