Detective Agencies, Protective Services & Security.
Security, investigation and guard services.
- MCC
- 7393
- Category
- Business Services
- Cardflo support
- Yes
What MCC 7393 covers
Merchant Category Code 7393 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for detective agencies, protective services & security. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Security, investigation and guard 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 7393 covers detective agencies, protective services, and security services, including private investigators, security guards, alarm monitoring, and armoured car services. Transaction sizes can range from small, recurring fees for alarm monitoring (£20-£100/month) to larger, project-based fees for investigations or event security (£500-£5,000+).
Frequency varies from recurring monthly for monitoring/guard services to infrequent for specific investigative tasks.
Chargebacks are generally low but can arise from disagreements over the effectiveness of service, non-delivery of a report, or disputes regarding incidents (e. g. , alarm not responded to). Proof of service delivery and clear contractual terms are vital.
Cardflo's ability to facilitate both recurring payments for subscription-based security services and secure one-off payments for investigations, alongside robust transaction logging and dispute management tools, is beneficial for merchants in this sector, ensuring reliable revenue streams and strong evidence for dispute resolution.
To optimise acceptance, a security service business should employ robust pre-authorisation for larger, project-based contracts, ensuring funds are available before extensive work begins. For alarm monitoring or guard services, recurring billing with clear subscription terms minimises declines.
Integrate strong KYB and KYC processes, as the nature of these services can attract higher scrutiny from acquirer partners. Given potential liability, acquirers often scrutinise insurance coverage, so ensure all relevant documentation is readily available.
Implement transparent service agreements detailing deliverables and cancellation policies to align with potential dispute patterns.
Acquirer and acquirer assessment stance.
Medium-risk standard board with monitoring. While many operations are low-risk, some sub-sectors (e. g. , private investigation or security involving physical altercations) require closer scrutiny due to potential liability or reputational risk.
Standard underwriting with an emphasis on insurance coverage and clear service agreements. A small reserve may be requested in certain cases.
Dispute and chargeback profile.
The primary dispute reason codes for this sector are 13.1 / 4853 (services not as described) if a client alleges the security provided was inadequate or a report incomplete, and 13.3 / 4855 (not as described/defective merchandise) if a specific security product failed.
These arise when expectations regarding service outcomes or equipment performance are not met. To defeat these, provide detailed service contracts, logs of security activity, incident reports, photographic evidence of deployment, and clear communication records with the client regarding service parameters and any limitations.
See also: chargeback management · payment response codes · Compelling Evidence 3.0.
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How Cardflo handles MCC 7393
- Placement with acquirers that actively board MCC 7393 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.
- Dedicated onboarding manager experienced with B2B and corporate merchants.
Payment methods typically enabled.
Onboarding checklist.
What acquirers typically ask to see when boarding MCC 7393. 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 B2B volume.
- Standard master services agreement or engagement letter template.
- Level 2 / Level 3 data capability evidence for commercial-card processing.
- Refund, cancellation and dispute-handling policy for recurring or retainer billing.
- Chargeback ratio and dispute history covering the last six months, including any Visa or Mastercard monitoring-programme status.
See also: Know Your Customer (KYC) · high-risk merchant · smart routing.
Talk to an acquiring specialist about your MID setup.
Common questions
What specific evidence should security companies provide for a 'services not rendered' chargeback?
For 'services not rendered' chargebacks, security companies should provide signed contracts detailing the scope of work, logbooks or attendance records of guards, alarm response logs, incident reports, photographic evidence (if relevant), and any client communication confirming service delivery or completion.
For alarm monitoring, system reports showing monitoring activity are crucial.
Are there specific scheme rules for recurring payments for alarm monitoring services?
Yes, for subscription-based alarm monitoring, schemes like Visa and Mastercard have clear rules for recurring payments. The merchant must obtain explicit customer authorisation for recurring billing, provide a clear cancellation policy, and notify the cardholder of upcoming charges if the amount or date changes.
Cardflo's recurring billing engine helps automate compliance with these scheme rules.
How does Cardflo help detective agencies manage payment privacy and compliance?
Detective agencies often handle sensitive client information and require secure payment processing. Cardflo ensures PCI DSS compliance for all card transactions, encrypting data at rest and in transit.
Our secure payment gateway and virtual terminal options allow agencies to process payments without storing sensitive card data on their own systems, enhancing privacy and reducing compliance burden.
How can a private investigative agency best protect itself against 'services not as described' chargebacks?
Private investigative agencies should meticulously document agreed-upon scopes of work, including clear objectives, methodologies, and reporting formats, to prevent 'services not as described' chargebacks. Obtain client sign-off on these terms before commencing work, and ensure all communication, progress updates, and final report deliveries are recorded.
Implement a phased payment structure tied to agreed milestones, requiring client approval at each stage.
Providing evidence of work undertaken, such as timestamps, surveillance logs, and witness statements, in response to a dispute, empirically demonstrates service provision and conformance to the contract, significantly strengthening your position against unwarranted claims.
What specific measures should a security guard company implement for recurring billing to minimise payment disputes?
For recurring billing on security guard contracts, ensure clients explicitly authorise ongoing payments, preferably via a signed mandate, clearly outlining the billing frequency and amount.
Implement robust digital invoicing with detailed breakdowns of services provided, ensuring these are sent well in advance of the charge date. Proactive communication about contract renewals, price adjustments, or service changes is critical.
For any service issues, maintain a clear complaints resolution process and document all steps taken. This transparency and proactive client engagement are key to reducing 'recurring transaction cancelled' or 'transaction not recognised' disputes, fostering trust and clear service understanding.
Other MCCs in Business Services
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