MCC 5251

What MCC Code Does Harbor Freight Tools Use?

Plus: the best credit cards to use at Harbor Freight Tools for maximum rewards in 2026.

By PointsPick Team, Credit Card Research Team  ·  Updated April 2026

Quick Answer

Harbor Freight Tools uses MCC code 5251 (Hardware Stores). The best credit card is the Lowes, earning 5x rewards on this category.

Best Credit Cards at Harbor Freight Tools

Harbor Freight Tools transactions are processed under MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores, category: retail). These cards earn the highest rewards:

Card Earning Rate Annual Fee Issuer
Lowes 5x No annual fee American Express Apply Now
Custom Cash 5x No annual fee Citi Apply Now
Customized Cash Rewards 2x No annual fee Bank of America Apply Now
Ink Business Cash 2x No annual fee Chase Apply Now
Business Platinum 2x $695/yr American Express Apply Now

Rates and fees as of April 2026. Verify with issuer before applying.

Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What MCC code does Harbor Freight Tools use?

Harbor Freight Tools uses MCC code 5251, which is classified as "Hardware Stores". This determines which credit card bonus categories apply to purchases at Harbor Freight Tools.

What is the best credit card to use at Harbor Freight Tools?

The best credit card at Harbor Freight Tools is the Lowes, which earns 5x points/miles on purchases coded as MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores).

Does Harbor Freight Tools qualify for grocery credit card bonuses?

Harbor Freight Tools uses MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores). This means purchases at Harbor Freight Tools do NOT qualify for grocery credit card bonuses, which require MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores and Supermarkets).