Health & Beauty Spas
Day spas, wellness and beauty treatment centres.
What MCC 7298 covers
Merchant Category Code 7298 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for health & beauty spas. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Day spas, wellness and beauty treatment centres. 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 7298 covers Health & Beauty Spas, including day spas, wellness centres, and beauty treatment salons. This category typically involves services such as facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and often includes legitimate massage therapy as part of a broader offering.
Ticket sizes can vary substantially, from small beauty treatments to expensive spa packages lasting several hours. Transaction frequency often involves repeat customers for regular beauty maintenance or occasional, higher-value bookings for special occasions or wellness retreats.
Chargebacks commonly arise from service dissatisfaction ('not as described'), issues with appointment cancellations or rescheduling policies, or disputes over gift voucher redemptions. Unauthorized transactions can still occur, but the primary drivers are customer service interactions.
Cardflo's robust chargeback tooling allows merchants to provide detailed service records and communication logs to efficiently dispute claims.
Scheme rules generally classify this as a standard-risk category. However, clear communication of cancellation policies and service expectations is crucial.
Cardflo's acquiring network supports efficient transaction processing, often resulting in strong approval rates for these businesses.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low to medium-risk standard board. Standard monitoring applies.
Reserves are not typically required unless the business has a history of high chargeback rates or operates with unusual business models (e. g.
, high-value membership schemes with complex terms).
How Cardflo handles MCC 7298
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 7298 businesses in your region.
- B2B card-not-present processing with Level 2 and Level 3 data support.
- Virtual-card, AP-automation and procurement-card acceptance.
- Invoice-linked payment flows and pay-by-link options for receivables teams.
- Settlement and reconciliation that maps cleanly to ERP and accounting systems.
Payment methods typically enabled
Common questions
How can spas and beauty salons effectively manage chargebacks related to service dissatisfaction?
To manage 'service dissatisfaction' chargebacks, spas and salons should maintain detailed records of services provided, including booking confirmation, staff assigned, and any client feedback forms. Offering a clear and accessible customer complaint resolution process can often de-escalate issues before they become chargebacks.
Cardflo's platform supports merchants in submitting comprehensive evidence, including appointment logs and client communication, for dispute resolution.
Are there specific considerations for businesses offering gift cards or vouchers under MCC 7298?
Yes, for gift cards or vouchers, clear terms and conditions regarding expiry dates, non-transferability, and redemption policies must be communicated at the point of sale. Disputes can arise if customers misunderstand these terms.
Adhering to local regulations regarding gift card validity periods is also essential to prevent compliance issues. Cardflo recommends integrating gift card redemption processes with your POS and payment system to maintain accurate records.
What impact do membership or subscription models have on risk assessment for MCC 7298?
Membership or subscription models in MCC 7298 (e. g.
, monthly spa treatments) increase the risk level to medium due to recurring billing chargeback potential. Clear terms for recurring payments, cancellation, and pause options are vital.
Mastercard's and Visa's negative option billing rules require explicit consent and easy cancellation paths. Cardflo's recurring billing solutions are designed to manage these complexities, facilitating compliance and reducing associated risks.
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