Assignment guidance
When MCC 5311 should be used
- For large general-merchandise stores organized into multiple product departments.
- For retailers carrying broad lines such as apparel, home goods, electronics, and cosmetics.
Retail
MCC 5311
Department stores
Large general-merchandise retailers organized into multiple product departments.
Boundary guidance
When MCC 5311 should not be used
- For discount stores, variety stores, or miscellaneous general-merchandise stores with a better-fit MCC.
- For a specialty retailer whose primary business is one product category.
Scheme comparison
Names and evidence status
Absence from public material is not treated as proof that a scheme does not use the MCC.
| Scheme | Evidence | Scheme wording | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | Official | Department StoresGlobal Visa merchant-data manual, April 2026, PDF page 65. | Aligned wording |
| Mastercard | Official | Department StoresMastercard Merchant Edition reference, 16 April 2024, PDF page 91. | Aligned wording |
| American Express | Publicly not found | No current public definition locatedThe complete American Express Codes Reference Guide is not public. This is not evidence that the MCC is unsupported. | Not available |
| Discover / Diners Club | Publicly not found | No current public definition locatedNo complete current public Discover / Diners Club MCC catalogue was located. This is not evidence that the MCC is unsupported. | Not available |
| UnionPay | Not reviewed | No global definition reviewedThe official material reviewed so far is limited to EEA fee appendices and is not a global definition catalogue. | Not available |
Provenance
Sources reviewed
- Visa Merchant Data Standards ManualApril 2026 · global · official · PDF page 65
- Mastercard Quick Reference Booklet - Merchant Edition16 April 2024 · official · PDF page 91
SchemeLens descriptions and use boundaries are editorial summaries of the cited material. Final MCC assignment depends on the merchant's primary business, current scheme rules, region, programme, and acquirer requirements.