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Apple App Store is classified under MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)). The best card for Apple App Store purchases is the Sapphire Preferred ($95/yr annual fee), earning 3x on digital goods: applications (excludes games) — an effective return of 6.15%.
The Apple App Store (MCC 5817) is a gold mine for rewards enthusiasts because it covers app purchases, which can rack up points or cash back quickly. Cardholders with the Blue Cash Preferred card are especially rewarded here.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, link your Apple ID to your preferred rewards credit card before making any app purchases.
When you pay at Apple App Store in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 5817 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a digital goods: applications (excludes games) merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "digital goods: applications (excludes games)" purchases, Apple App Store transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Apple App Store specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Apple App Store 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 5817 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 5817: Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)
Merchant Category Code 5817 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games) industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5817, all qualifying card programs that include digital goods: applications (excludes games) as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Digital 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 Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games) Merchants (MCC 5817)
Spending $200/month at Apple App Store with the Sapphire Preferred (3x on digital goods: applications (excludes games)) earns approximately $72/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. After the $95 annual fee, that is $-23 more per year.
Prefer no annual fee? The Autograph earns 3x at Apple App Store merchants, earning $72/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Apple App Store use?
Apple App Store uses MCC 5817 (Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games)). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Apple App Store.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Apple App Store?
The Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on digital goods: applications (excludes games) purchases (MCC 5817), making it the highest-earning option at Apple App Store among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Apple App Store?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on digital goods: applications (excludes games) purchases, Apple App Store transactions (MCC 5817) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Apple App Store classified as digital goods: applications (excludes games) for credit card purposes?
Yes. Apple App Store is classified under MCC 5817, which falls in the Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games) category. This means cards with digital goods: applications (excludes games) bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Apple App Store.
What is MCC 5817 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5817 stands for Digital Goods: Applications (Excludes Games). It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in general purchases at this merchant type. Besides Apple App Store, other merchants in the same MCC include similar businesses in the digital industry group.
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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 04, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
