What is a Merchant Category Code (MCC)?
A Merchant Category Code (MCC) is a four-digit number assigned to a business by credit card issuers (such as Visa or Mastercard). These codes categorize the type of goods or services a merchant provides.
Card issuers use these codes for several reasons:
Rewards: They determine how many "points" or "cash back" a consumer earns on specific categories (like groceries vs. gas).
Processing Fees: They help calculate the fee a merchant pays to the card issuer for each transaction.
IRS Reporting: they dictate whether a transaction must be reported for tax purposes.
How MCCs Affect Your Benefits Card
Your Rocky Mountain Reserve benefits card is a Limited Merchant Category Card. Unlike a standard credit card, it is programmed to function only at businesses that are assigned healthcare-related MCCs.
If you attempt to use your card at a merchant with an ineligible code (such as a gas station, a movie theater, or a clothing store), the transaction will be automatically declined because the merchant's code does not match your plan’s requirements.
Explore Eligible Codes by Account Type:
The Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS)
Some "big box" retailers—such as Walmart, Target, and Costco—sell a mixture of eligible healthcare items and ineligible general merchandise. These stores use an Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS).
How IIAS Works:
You swipe your card for a basket containing both bandages (eligible) and a soda (ineligible).
The IIAS automatically identifies the bandages as qualifying healthcare items.
The system approves the card for the cost of the bandages but denies the soda.
You will then be asked to provide a second form of payment for the remaining ineligible balance.
Ready to shop? View a List of IIAS-Certified Merchants
Contact Participant Services:
💬 Live Chat: Available via the User Portal
✉️ Email: info@rmrbenefits.com
📞 Phone: 888-722-1223
🕒 Support Hours: M–F, 8 AM – 5 PM MST
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