Hobby, Toy & Game Shops
Hobby, toy and tabletop-game retailers.
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.
Acquirer & underwriting 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.
How Cardflo handles MCC 5945
- Underwriting 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.
Payment methods typically enabled
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, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay 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.
Other MCCs in Miscellaneous Stores
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