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AAA is classified under MCC 4722 (Travel Agencies and Tour Operations). The best card for AAA purchases is the Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr annual fee), earning 10x on travel agencies and tour operations — an effective return of 20.50%.
Travel agencies like AAA (MCC 4722) matter for credit card rewards because they often offer high earning rates, especially with cards in the premium category such as the American Express Platinum or Sapphire Reserve.
Pro Tip
Maximize your AAA rewards by booking trips through their website; many airlines and hotels partner with them for added perks and points.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 a month at an AAA travel agency on your Amex Sapphire Reserve (earning 10x points), it translates to $240 a year. Compare that to just $24 with a typical 1% cash back card, and the rewards gap is clear.
When you pay at AAA in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 4722 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a travel agencies and tour operations merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "travel agencies and tour operations" purchases, AAA transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not AAA specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any AAA transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 4722 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 4722: Travel Agencies and Tour Operations
Merchant Category Code 4722 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Travel Agencies and Tour Operations industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 4722, all qualifying card programs that include travel agencies and tour operations as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Transportation industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
Other Travel Agencies and Tour Operations Merchants (MCC 4722)
Spending $200/month at AAA with the Sapphire Reserve (10x on travel agencies and tour operations) earns approximately $240/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. After the $795 annual fee, that is $-555 more per year.
Prefer no annual fee? The VentureOne earns 5x at AAA merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does AAA use?
AAA uses MCC 4722 (Travel Agencies and Tour Operations). Our top pick for this MCC is the Sapphire Reserve, which earns 10x (20.50% effective return) on travel agencies and tour operations purchases.
How much can I earn at AAA with the right credit card?
Spending $200/month ($2400/year) at AAA with the Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr annual fee) earns approximately $240/year at 10x. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending — that is $216 more per year with the right card.
Is AAA classified as travel agencies and tour operations for credit card rewards?
Yes. AAA is classified under MCC 4722 (Travel Agencies and Tour Operations) by Visa and Mastercard. Cards that list 'travel agencies and tour operations' as a bonus category — such as the Sapphire Reserve — will apply the elevated earn rate at AAA.
Does my credit card earn bonus rewards at AAA?
If your card includes travel agencies and tour operations in its bonus categories, then yes — AAA's MCC 4722 typically qualifies. The Sapphire Reserve earns 10x here. Check your card's app or call your issuer to confirm your specific card's category mapping.
What other stores are in the same category as AAA (MCC 4722)?
MCC 4722 (Travel Agencies and Tour Operations) is shared by many similar businesses. Other stores in this category include: AAA Travel, Agoda, Airbnb, American Express Travel. The same credit card bonus rate applies at all of these merchants.
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Full disclosure
MCC data based on card network classification standards.
Rankings verified monthly from official card issuer terms.
Last verified: April 26, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
