MCC 5331: Variety Stores — Credit Card Bonus Rates
MCC 5331 covers VARIETY STORES merchants, classified under retail. The top card is Shopper Cash Rewards earning 6X. 1 cards earn elevated rewards at these merchants. MCC Lookup Tool to find which cards earn bonus rewards here.
Real-World Examples: MCC 5331 Merchants
Local variety stores like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and CVS often use MCC 5331. This category includes small-scale purchases of everyday items such as snacks, toiletries, and greeting cards.
When you swipe your credit card at any of these merchants, the transaction posts as MCC 5331 (variety 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 5331 vs Similar Codes
Cardholders might be surprised to see gas station convenience store purchases coded under this MCC instead of a fuel-related one.
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.
1 Card That Earn Bonus on MCC 5331
Annual Rewards at MCC 5331 Merchants by Spending Level
How much you earn annually from variety stores spending (MCC 5331), based on effective cashback value after accounting for point valuations:
Calculations assume 100% of spending qualifies at MCC 5331 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 5331
Related MCC Codes
MCC 5331 (Variety Stores) covers 14 merchants in our database. 1 credit card earn elevated rewards on variety stores transactions. The top earning rate is 6x from the Shopper Cash Rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCC code 5331? +
MCC 5331 stands for Variety 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 5331? +
Merchants classified under MCC 5331 (Variety Stores) operate in the retail sector. Card networks assign this code during merchant onboarding based on the primary business activity. Examples include 99 Cents Only Stores, Big Lots, Building 19, Burlington.
Which credit cards earn bonus rewards at MCC 5331 merchants? +
The top cards for MCC 5331 (Variety Stores) are: Shopper Cash Rewards (6x). 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 5331 merchants? +
1 credit card in our database earn elevated rewards on MCC 5331 (Variety Stores) purchases. The top rate is 6x from the Shopper Cash Rewards. Use the card grid above to compare all rates and annual fees.
What merchants are classified under MCC 5331? +
MCC 5331 covers 14 merchants in our database, including 99 Cents Only Stores, Big Lots, Building 19, Burlington, and 10 more. All purchases at these merchants post as 'Variety Stores' and trigger retail category bonus rates on eligible credit cards.
Does 99 Cents Only Stores count as retail for credit card rewards? +
Yes. 99 Cents Only Stores is classified under MCC 5331 (Variety Stores), which falls in the retail category. Cards with retail bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate — the top option earns 6x at qualifying merchants in this code.
What is the difference between MCC 5331 and MCC 5013? +
MCC 5331 (Variety Stores) and MCC 5013 (Motor vehicle supplies and new parts) are both in the retail category but cover distinct merchant types. MCC 5331 is used for variety 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.