earning

MCC

Merchant Category Code

Definition

Four-digit code that classifies what type of merchant a transaction is with. Card-bonus categories depend on the MCC, not the merchant name.

Why it matters

Why a restaurant inside a hotel sometimes doesn't earn dining bonuses (MCC: Lodging not Restaurant). Why Costco doesn't earn warehouse-club bonuses (MCC: Discount Stores) on most card-issuer category bonuses.

Related terms in earning

Transfer Bonus

Limited-time promotion where a bank-points program offers extra points when transferring to a specific airline or hotel partner. Typically 20-40%.

SUB

Welcome offer when you open a new credit card and meet a minimum spend requirement (typically $3-15k in 3-6 months).

MSR

The amount you need to spend on a new card to trigger the sign-up bonus. Typically $3,000-15,000 within 3-6 months of opening.

Buy Points Sale

Periodic sales where a loyalty program lets you buy points directly at a discount. Typically 50-100% bonus on top of base purchase rate.