MCC 5251: Hardware Stores — Credit Card Bonus Rates
MCC 5251 covers HARDWARE STORES merchants, classified under retail. The top card is Lowes earning 5X. 5 cards earn elevated rewards at these merchants. MCC Lookup Tool to find which cards earn bonus rewards here.
Real-World Examples: MCC 5251 Merchants
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware use MCC 5251. Purchases like tools, gardening supplies, and building materials are coded here.
When you swipe your credit card at any of these merchants, the transaction posts as MCC 5251 (hardware stores). Your card issuer uses this code to determine whether retail category bonuses apply — so knowing which merchants trigger this code helps you choose the right card before you spend.
MCC 5251 vs Similar Codes
Cardholders often误以为只有大型连锁店使用MCC 5251，但实际上小型本地硬件商店也适用。人们有时会惊讶地发现购买五金配件或园艺工具也能获得积分奖励。
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.
5 Cards That Earn Bonus on MCC 5251
Annual Rewards at MCC 5251 Merchants by Spending Level
How much you earn annually from hardware stores spending (MCC 5251), based on effective cashback value after accounting for point valuations:
Calculations assume 100% of spending qualifies at MCC 5251 merchants. Effective value uses current point valuations from our Points Calculator. Annual fee not deducted — see individual card reviews for net value after fee.
Merchants Using MCC 5251
Related MCC Codes
MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) covers 14 merchants in our database. 5 credit cards earn elevated rewards on hardware stores transactions. The top earning rate is 5x from the Lowes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCC code 5251? +
MCC 5251 stands for Hardware Stores. It is a four-digit Merchant Category Code used by payment networks to classify businesses in the retail category. Our database tracks 14 merchants with this code.
What types of businesses use MCC 5251? +
Merchants classified under MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) operate in the retail sector. Card networks assign this code during merchant onboarding based on the primary business activity. Examples include Ace Hardware, Ace Hardware Store, Do it Best, Do it Best Hardware.
Which credit cards earn bonus rewards at MCC 5251 merchants? +
The top cards for MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) are: Lowes (8x); Custom Cash (5x); Ink Business Cash (4x). These cards earn elevated rates specifically in the retail category. Use our card comparison above to see full bonus rates and annual fees.
How many credit cards earn bonus rewards at MCC 5251 merchants? +
5 credit cards in our database earn elevated rewards on MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) purchases. The top rate is 8x from the Lowes. Use the card grid above to compare all rates and annual fees.
What merchants are classified under MCC 5251? +
MCC 5251 covers 14 merchants in our database, including Ace Hardware, Ace Hardware Store, Do it Best, Do it Best Hardware, and 10 more. All purchases at these merchants post as 'Hardware Stores' and trigger retail category bonus rates on eligible credit cards.
Does Ace Hardware count as retail for credit card rewards? +
Yes. Ace Hardware is classified under MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores), which falls in the retail category. Cards with retail bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate — the top option earns 8x at qualifying merchants in this code.
What is the difference between MCC 5251 and MCC 5013? +
MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) and MCC 5013 (Motor vehicle supplies and new parts) are both in the retail category but cover distinct merchant types. MCC 5251 is used for hardware stores businesses, while MCC 5013 is assigned to motor vehicle supplies and new parts 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.