Video Game Arcades / Establishments
Coin-operated arcades and gaming establishments.
What MCC 7994 covers
Merchant Category Code 7994 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for video game arcades / establishments. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Coin-operated arcades and gaming establishments. 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 7994 covers video game arcades and establishments. These merchants typically charge for gameplay, either per game, per hour, or via pre-loaded cards.
Transaction sizes are generally low, for short bursts of play, but volume can be high, especially during peak hours or holidays. Frequency is often high as customers play multiple games.
Chargebacks are very low for this MCC. Common issues might involve 'service not as described' (e.
g. , malfunctioning machines, unfair game mechanics leading to perceived loss of funds) or disputes over pre-loaded card balances.
Card-present transactions dominate, significantly reducing fraud exposure. No specific scheme programmes actively target this MCC, but general POS best practices apply.
Cardflo's efficient POS systems and low-value transaction capabilities ensure quick processing, minimising queues. Our robust API allows for integration with arcade management systems, enabling seamless top-ups for game cards and clear transaction logging, which aids dispute resolution.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low-risk standard board. These businesses have a high volume of low-value, card-present transactions and inherently low fraud risk.
No reserve is typically required.
How Cardflo handles MCC 7994
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 7994 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 arcades manage payment for timed play or pre-loaded game cards?
Arcades often utilise integrated systems where customers purchase or top-up a game card using a central POS. This card then deducts credits per game or time played.
Payments are captured at the point of sale for the card load. For any malfunctions, immediate refunds or credit adjustments should be handled on-site to prevent potential chargebacks for 'service not as described' or 'credit not received'.
Are there any specific scheme rules for disputed game credits or malfunctioning machines?
While no specific scheme rules address game credits, general consumer protection rules apply. If a customer pays for game time or credits that are lost due to a malfunctioning machine, they are entitled to a refund or equivalent value.
If the merchant refuses, this could lead to a 'service not rendered' or 'non-receipt of merchandise' chargeback. Maintaining machines well and providing clear refund policies on-site are best practices.
What are the advantages of using a single payment terminal for both arcade games and snack bar sales?
Using a single integrated payment terminal that can handle transactions for both arcade games (e. g.
, game card top-ups) and a snack bar offers several advantages: simplified reconciliation, reduced hardware costs, consolidated reporting, and a smoother customer experience. Cardflo's flexible POS solutions can support such integrated setups, streamlining operations and reducing administrative overhead for arcade owners.
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Tell us about your business. We'll match you with the right acquiring partners and the right route, typically inside a week.