Advertiser Disclosure — This site may receive compensation when you click links and apply for credit cards. Compensation may impact which products appear and their placement. We strive to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee all details are current. Full disclosure
Apple Books is classified under MCC 5815 (Digital Goods: Media, Books, Movies, Music). The best card for Apple Books purchases is the Savor (no annual fee), earning 8x on digital goods: media, books, movies, music — an effective return of 8.00%.
Apple Books falls under the Digital Goods category (MCC 5815), making it a prime target for high-earning rewards credit cards like the Savor, which offers up to 8x points.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, consider setting up automatic downloads for books or subscriptions through Apple Books to ensure consistent high-earning transactions.
When you pay at Apple Books in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 5815 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a digital goods: media, books, movies, music 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: media, books, movies, music" purchases, Apple Books transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Apple Books specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Apple Books 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 5815 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 5815: Digital Goods: Media, Books, Movies, Music
Merchant Category Code 5815 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Digital Goods: Media, Books, Movies, Music industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5815, all qualifying card programs that include digital goods: media, books, movies, music 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: Media, Books, Movies, Music Merchants (MCC 5815)
Spending $200/month at Apple Books with the Savor (8x on digital goods: media, books, movies, music) earns approximately $192/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $168 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The Autograph earns 3x at Apple Books merchants, earning $72/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Apple Books use?
Apple Books uses MCC 5815 (Digital Goods: Media, Books, Movies, Music). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Apple Books.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Apple Books?
The Savor earns 8x on digital goods: media, books, movies, music purchases (MCC 5815), making it the highest-earning option at Apple Books among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Apple Books?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on digital goods: media, books, movies, music purchases, Apple Books transactions (MCC 5815) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Apple Books classified as digital goods: media, books, movies, music for credit card purposes?
Yes. Apple Books is classified under MCC 5815, which falls in the Digital Goods: Media, Books, Movies, Music category. This means cards with digital goods: media, books, movies, music bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Apple Books.
What is MCC 5815 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5815 stands for Digital Goods: Media, Books, Movies, Music. It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in digital streaming video subscriptions. Besides Apple Books, other merchants in the same MCC include similar businesses in the digital industry group.
PointsPick may earn a commission when you apply through our links.
Full disclosure
MCC data based on card network classification standards.
Rankings verified monthly from official card issuer terms.
Last verified: March 16, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
