MCC 5817: Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games) — Credit Card Bonus Rates
MCC 5817 covers DIGITAL GOODS: APPLICATIONS (EXCLUDES GAMES) merchants, classified under digital. The top card is Ink Business Preferred earning 3X. 12 cards earn elevated rewards at these merchants. MCC Lookup Tool to find which cards earn bonus rewards here.
Real-World Examples: MCC 5817 Merchants
Purchases from Apple, Adobe, and Microsoft for apps and software are coded under MCC 5817. This includes buying subscriptions or downloading content like Office 365 or the Adobe Creative Suite.
When you swipe your credit card at any of these merchants, the transaction posts as MCC 5817 (digital goods: applications (excludes games)). Your card issuer uses this code to determine whether digital category bonuses apply — so knowing which merchants trigger this code helps you choose the right card before you spend.
MCC 5817 vs Similar Codes
Cardholders often think gaming app purchases fall under this category but they don't. Only non-game digital goods get coded here.
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.
12 Cards That Earn Bonus on MCC 5817
Annual Rewards at MCC 5817 Merchants by Spending Level
How much you earn annually from digital goods: applications (excludes games) spending (MCC 5817), based on effective cashback value after accounting for point valuations:
Calculations assume 100% of spending qualifies at MCC 5817 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 5817
Related MCC Codes
MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)) covers 2 merchants in our database. 12 credit cards earn elevated rewards on digital goods: applications (excludes games) transactions. The top earning rate is 3x from the Ink Business Preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCC code 5817? +
MCC 5817 stands for Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games). It is a four-digit Merchant Category Code used by payment networks to classify businesses in the digital category. Our database tracks 2 merchants with this code.
What types of businesses use MCC 5817? +
Merchants classified under MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)) operate in the digital sector. Card networks assign this code during merchant onboarding based on the primary business activity. Examples include Apple App Store, Google Play Store.
Which credit cards earn bonus rewards at MCC 5817 merchants? +
The top cards for MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)) are: Ink Business Preferred (6x); Sapphire Preferred (6x); Blue Cash Preferred (Morgan Stanley) (6x). These cards earn elevated rates specifically in the digital category. Use our card comparison above to see full bonus rates and annual fees.
How many credit cards earn bonus rewards at MCC 5817 merchants? +
12 credit cards in our database earn elevated rewards on MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)) purchases. The top rate is 6x from the Ink Business Preferred. Use the card grid above to compare all rates and annual fees.
What merchants are classified under MCC 5817? +
MCC 5817 covers 2 merchants in our database, including Apple App Store, Google Play Store. All purchases at these merchants post as 'Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)' and trigger digital category bonus rates on eligible credit cards.
Does Apple App Store count as digital for credit card rewards? +
Yes. Apple App Store is classified under MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)), which falls in the digital category. Cards with digital 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 5817 and MCC 5815? +
MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)) and MCC 5815 (Digital Goods: Media, Books, Movies, Music) are both in the digital category but cover distinct merchant types. MCC 5817 is used for digital goods: applications (excludes games) businesses, while MCC 5815 is assigned to digital goods: media, books, movies, music 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.