Aquariums, Sea-Aquariums, Dolphinariums, Zoological Parks
Aquariums, dolphinariums and zoos.
What MCC 7998 covers
Merchant Category Code 7998 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for aquariums, sea-aquariums, dolphinariums, zoological parks. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Aquariums, dolphinariums and zoos. Choosing the right MCC is critical: an incorrect code can lead to higher interchange, surcharges, or, in regulated categories, declined transactions and account holds.
This MCC covers aquariums, sea-aquariums, dolphinariums, and zoological parks. These are typically family-friendly attractions with a mix of individual ticket sales, family packages, and annual memberships.
Typical ticket sizes vary based on entry type, with high foot traffic during peak seasons and holidays. Online ticket sales are increasingly common.
Chargebacks are generally low. Disputes may arise from service non-delivery (e.
g. , unexpected closure), dissatisfaction with the experience, or mistaken online purchases.
For annual passes, scheme rules on recurring billing apply. Fraud rates are usually low, but any increase in online booking volume necessitates robust fraud prevention.
Cardflo provides flexible payment solutions, including secure online gateways for advance ticket purchases and on-site POS systems for seamless admission and retail transactions. Our chargeback management tools can help resolve infrequent disputes, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low-risk standard board. Consistent revenue streams, especially for well-established attractions.
No specific reserve requirements unless a significant portion of revenue comes from pre-paid seasonal passes with large-scale forward-liability.
How Cardflo handles MCC 7998
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 7998 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 are the common chargeback scenarios for aquariums and zoos (MCC 7998)?
Chargebacks are generally infrequent but typically relate to 'Services Not Provided' (Code 13. 1, 4855) if the facility is unexpectedly closed or if specific attractions are unavailable, or 'Cardholder Does Not Recognise' (Code 10.
4, 4834) for purchases made by family members. Customer disputes over the quality of the experience are also possible, though less common.
How can aquariums and zoos mitigate fraud risk for online ticket sales?
Implementing 3D Secure for all online ticket transactions is the most effective way to shift liability for many fraud-related chargebacks to the card-issuing bank.
Additional measures include AVS (Address Verification Service) and CVV checks during checkout, and monitoring for suspicious purchase patterns like multiple high-value transactions from a single IP address.
Are there specific scheme rules for annual passes or memberships sold by these attractions?
Yes, if annual passes or memberships involve recurring billing, the merchant must adhere to scheme rules for recurring transactions, including clear disclosure of terms, advance notification of renewals, and a straightforward cancellation process. These measures help prevent 'Billing Dispute' (Code 13.
3) chargebacks and maintain good cardholder relations.
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.