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MCC Code
3501

MCC 3501: HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS — Credit Card Bonus Rates

Also classified as:
Visa: “HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS”
MC: “HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS”
Quick Answer

MCC 3501 covers HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS merchants, classified under airline. To maximize rewards at these businesses, look for credit cards with broad spending bonuses or airline category multipliers. MCC Lookup Tool to find which cards earn bonus rewards here.

Real-World Examples: MCC 3501 Merchants

Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express hotels use MCC 3501. Specific purchases include room rates and hotel services.

When you swipe your credit card at any of these merchants, the transaction posts as MCC 3501 (holiday inns, holiday inn express). Your card issuer uses this code to determine whether airline category bonuses apply — so knowing which merchants trigger this code helps you choose the right card before you spend.

MCC 3501 vs Similar Codes

Common Confusion

Cardholders often mistake lodging charges for travel agencies or booking sites like Expedia, which have different MCC codes.

This distinction matters because different MCC codes can trigger different bonus rates on your credit card, even for similar types of merchants. Always check your transaction statement to confirm which MCC posted — some card issuers allow you to see the MCC in their app or online portal.

Related MCC Codes

3000UNITED AIRLINES 3001AMERICAN AIRLINES 3002PAN AMERICAN 3003Airlines 3004TRANS WORLD AIRLINES 3005BRITISH AIRWAYS 3006JAPAN AIRLINES 3007AIR FRANCE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MCC code 3501? +

MCC 3501 stands for HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS. It is a four-digit Merchant Category Code used by payment networks to classify businesses in the airline category.

What types of businesses use MCC 3501? +

Merchants classified under MCC 3501 (HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS) operate in the airline sector. Card networks assign this code during merchant onboarding based on the primary business activity.

Which credit cards earn bonus rewards at MCC 3501 merchants? +

MCC 3501 (HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS) is not currently a dedicated bonus category for most major credit cards. For airline spending at these merchants, a flat-rate rewards card (1.5–2% on all purchases) is typically your most reliable option. Use our MCC Lookup Tool to find the best card for any specific merchant.

How many credit cards earn bonus rewards at MCC 3501 merchants? +

Currently, no credit cards in our database have a dedicated bonus category for MCC 3501 (HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS). Most purchases posting with this code will earn base rewards (typically 1–1.5x on everyday cards). A flat-rate cashback card is the most predictable choice for airline spending.

What merchants are classified under MCC 3501? +

MCC 3501 is assigned to businesses providing holiday inns, holiday inn express services. While this is a less common merchant category, any purchase that posts with code 3501 will be classified as 'HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS' by your card issuer, which determines whether airline category bonuses apply to that transaction.

What is the difference between MCC 3501 and MCC 3000? +

MCC 3501 (HOLIDAY INNS, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS) and MCC 3000 (UNITED AIRLINES) are both in the airline category but cover distinct merchant types. MCC 3501 is used for holiday inns, holiday inn express businesses, while MCC 3000 is assigned to united airlines merchants. Both may qualify for the same bonus category on your card — check your card's terms or use our MCC Lookup Tool to confirm.

Data verified Apr 2026 · Methodology · Advertiser Disclosure