Advertising Services
Advertising agencies and marketing services.
What MCC 7311 covers
Merchant Category Code 7311 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for advertising services. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Advertising agencies and marketing services. 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 7311 is for Advertising Services, covering advertising agencies, media buying services, and other marketing services providers. These businesses typically operate on project-based fees, retainers, or commission models.
Ticket sizes can range from small ad campaigns to multi-million-pound annual contracts. Transaction frequency often involves upfront payments, milestone payments, or recurring monthly retainers.
Chargebacks in this sector commonly arise from disputes over campaign performance, 'services not rendered' claims when clients are dissatisfied with results or perceive a lack of delivery, or disagreements on contractual terms.
Issues with intellectual property rights or unauthorised ad spend can also lead to disputes. Cardflo's chargeback tooling can help agencies provide clear evidence of campaign execution and contractual agreements.
This is generally considered a standard, albeit sometimes higher-value, commercial payments category. Clear contracts and detailed reporting are essential.
Cardflo's acquiring network efficiently manages B2B transaction flows, supporting agencies with robust processing capabilities.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low to medium-risk standard board. Risk is generally managed through robust contractual agreements.
A rolling reserve may be considered for new agencies with high project values or those operating on a performance-based model without upfront payments, to mitigate 'service not rendered' disputes.
How Cardflo handles MCC 7311
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 7311 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
What specific documentation is most effective for advertising agencies to defend against 'service not rendered' chargebacks?
To defend against 'service not rendered' chargebacks, advertising agencies should provide comprehensive documentation including signed contracts detailing scope of work, project timelines, and payment schedules. Proof of campaign execution (e.
g. , ad proofs, live campaign links, media buys), performance reports, client communication logs, and invoices are all crucial.
Cardflo's platform facilitates the submission of this evidence, aiding in successful dispute resolution.
How do scheme rules on recurring billing affect advertising agencies that charge monthly retainers?
Advertising agencies charging monthly retainers must adhere to recurring billing scheme rules. This includes providing clear terms and conditions, obtaining explicit consent for recurring charges, and offering a straightforward cancellation process.
Visa and Mastercard require clear initial disclosures and notifications for subsequent billings, especially if the amount changes. Cardflo's payment solutions support compliant recurring billing setups, reducing the risk of 'unauthorised transaction' chargebacks.
Are there specific interchange categories for B2B advertising services that agencies should be aware of?
Yes, for B2B transactions, advertising agencies should ensure their acquirer supports Level 2 and Level 3 data processing.
Providing additional data fields such as invoice number, purchase order number, and tax amounts can qualify transactions for lower interchange rates, particularly with Visa and Mastercard's commercial card programmes.
Cardflo's robust MID routing ensures that enhanced data is passed through, optimising interchange costs for B2B clients.
Ready for velocity?
Tell us about your business. We'll match you with the right acquiring partners and the right route, typically inside a week.