Does Fast Food Count as a Restaurant for Credit Card Rewards?
Understand how credit card rewards define "restaurant" spending. Discover if your fast food purchases qualify and how to verify your specific card's terms.
Credit card rewards programs often entice consumers with bonus earnings in specific spending categories, such as dining. Many wonder whether purchases made at fast food establishments qualify for these restaurant rewards. Understanding how credit card companies categorize transactions, particularly through standardized codes, can clarify whether your quick meal counts towards earning extra points, miles, or cash back.
How Credit Card Rewards Categories Function
Credit card companies determine bonus rewards based on Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), which are four-digit numbers assigned to businesses. These codes classify merchants by their primary business activity. When a transaction occurs, the merchant’s acquiring bank transmits this MCC to the credit card network.
The credit card issuer then uses this MCC to identify the type of purchase and apply the appropriate rewards rate. For instance, a credit card offering 3% cash back on restaurant spending will rely on the MCC to determine if a particular purchase qualifies for that elevated reward. This system ensures that rewards are granted based on the merchant’s classification, rather than the specific item purchased.
MCCs are a standardized system, though card networks may have slight variations in their specific lists. Businesses are assigned an MCC based on their main source of revenue when they set up their payment processing.
Common Categorization of Fast Food Establishments
Most major fast food chains fall under an MCC that qualifies for credit card restaurant rewards. Specifically, Merchant Category Code 5814 is designated for “Fast Food Restaurants.” This code encompasses a wide array of quick-service establishments, including well-known brands like McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, and Taco Bell. These businesses are characterized by their focus on speed, convenience, and food prepared for immediate consumption, often with counter service or drive-thrus.
MCC 5814 is distinct from other dining-related MCCs, such as 5812 for full-service restaurants that offer table service and waitstaff. Therefore, for the majority of credit cards that provide bonus rewards on “restaurant” or “dining” purchases, transactions at standalone fast food locations will generally qualify. However, for most dedicated fast food places, the categorization is straightforward.
Verifying Your Card’s Specific Restaurant Definition
While general rules apply, each credit card issuer maintains its own terms and conditions for rewards programs. These documents detail what types of purchases qualify for bonus categories, including dining. It is advisable to consult your card’s benefits guide, which is often available on the issuer’s website or through your online account portal.
If the information is not immediately clear, contacting the credit card’s customer service department can provide definitive answers. This direct verification ensures you understand how your particular card defines “restaurant” spending, allowing you to maximize your rewards earnings.