Assignment guidance
When MCC 5542 should be used
- For self-service fuel transactions completed directly at an automated fuel dispenser.
- For cardholder-activated payment at the pump where fuel is the purchased product.
Automotive
MCC 5542
Automated fuel dispensers
Self-service fuel purchases completed directly at an automated fuel dispenser.
Boundary guidance
When MCC 5542 should not be used
- For purchases completed inside a staffed service station or convenience store.
- For electric-vehicle charging, automotive repairs, parking, or non-fuel retail transactions.
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 | Automated Fuel DispensersGlobal Visa merchant-data manual, April 2026, PDF page 68. | Aligned wording |
| Mastercard | Official | Fuel Dispenser, AutomatedMastercard Merchant Edition reference, 16 April 2024, PDF page 100. | Different 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 | Official, limited scope | Automated Fuel DispenserConfirmed in 2026 U.S. automated-fuel-dispenser guidance; not a complete global MCC definition catalogue. | Aligned scope |
| 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 68
- Mastercard Quick Reference Booklet - Merchant Edition16 April 2024 · official · PDF page 100
- Discover Automated Fuel Dispenser Best Practices2026 · U.S. scope · official, limited scope
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.