Accounting, Auditing & Bookkeeping Services
Accountancy, audit and bookkeeping practices.
What MCC 8931 covers
Merchant Category Code 8931 is the ISO 18245 identifier used by the card networks for accounting, auditing & bookkeeping services. Acquirers, issuers and regulators use this code to set interchange, scheme fees, fraud rules and reporting categories for every transaction your business processes.
Accountancy, audit and bookkeeping practices. 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 8931 covers accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping services. These are typically B2B professional services, ranging from sole practitioners to large firms.
Ticket sizes vary from small monthly bookkeeping fees to substantial annual audit contracts. Payment frequency can be recurring (monthly/quarterly) for ongoing services or project-based for one-off engagements like tax returns.
Chargebacks are rare but can occur due to 'services not as described' (e. g.
, perceived errors in reports, missed deadlines) or 'cancelled services'. Due to the trusted nature of these services and professional relationships, fraud is generally low.
Schemes typically classify this as a standard low-risk MCC without specific programmes.
Cardflo's recurring billing solutions are highly beneficial for accountancy practices offering subscription-based services, ensuring high approval rates for repeat transactions and reducing administrative overhead.
Acquirer & underwriting stance
Low-risk standard board. These merchants benefit from strong client relationships and are generally solvent, leading to predictable revenue and minimal chargeback exposure.
Standard terms with no specific reserves are common.
How Cardflo handles MCC 8931
- Underwriting with acquirers that actively board MCC 8931 businesses in your region.
- Subscription and membership-billing infrastructure built for recurring revenue.
- Member-data tokenisation that survives card reissues and updates.
- Dunning and retry logic tuned to professional-services renewal patterns.
- Reporting aligned with how associations and professional bodies close their books.
Payment methods typically enabled
Common questions
How do recurring billing solutions benefit accounting firms?
Recurring billing automates the collection of fees for ongoing services (e. g.
, monthly bookkeeping, quarterly payroll). This reduces administrative work, improves cash flow predictability, and minimises late payments.
Cardflo's subscription management tools can handle various billing frequencies and automatically update expired card details, enhancing customer retention.
What PCI DSS compliance requirements apply to small accounting firms accepting card payments?
All merchants accepting card payments, regardless of size, must comply with PCI DSS. For small accounting firms, typically Payment Gateway Integrated (PGI) solutions (SAQ A-EP or SAQ A) are applicable, provided they do not store sensitive card data themselves.
Using a PCI-compliant payment gateway like Cardflo's offloads much of this burden.
Can accounting firms use surcharging for card payments?
The ability to surcharge card payments depends on local regulations and scheme rules. In the UK and EU, surcharging for consumer cards is generally prohibited.
For commercial cards, it may be permissible under specific conditions, but firms must clearly disclose any fees to clients. It's advisable to consult with Cardflo's compliance team and legal counsel.
Other MCCs in Professional Services & Membership
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.