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Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)
Confirmed via network classification
Quick Answer
Barron's is classified under MCC 4899 (Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)). The best card for Barron's purchases is the Business Gold ($375/yr annual fee), earning 4x on cable and other pay television (previously cable services) — an effective return of 8.00%.
Cable and pay TV services like Barron's (MCC 4899) are covered under everyday spending categories in credit card rewards programs, often including streaming services too.
Pro Tip
Consider setting up automatic payments for your Barron's subscription with the Blue Cash Preferred card to maximize your rewards effortlessly.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 a month on Barron's with the Blue Cash Preferred card at 6x points, it would earn you $12.00 monthly or $144.00 annually compared to just $24.00 yearly from a standard 1% cash back card.
When you pay at Barron's in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 4899 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a cable and other pay television (previously cable services) merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "cable and other pay television (previously cable services)" purchases, Barron's transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Barron's specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Barron's 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 4899 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 4899: Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)
Merchant Category Code 4899 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services) industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 4899, all qualifying card programs that include cable and other pay television (previously cable services) as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Utilities 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 Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services) Merchants (MCC 4899)
Spending $200/month at Barron's with the Business Gold (4x on cable and other pay television (previously cable services)) earns approximately $96/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. After the $375 annual fee, that is $-279 more per year.
Prefer no annual fee? The Autograph earns 3x at Barron's merchants, earning $72/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Barron's use?
Barron's uses MCC 4899 (Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)). Our top pick for this MCC is the Business Gold, which earns 4x (8.00% effective return) on cable and other pay television (previously cable services) purchases.
How much can I earn at Barron's with the right credit card?
Spending $200/month ($2400/year) at Barron's with the Business Gold ($375/yr annual fee) earns approximately $96/year at 4x. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending — that is $72 more per year with the right card.
Is Barron's classified as cable and other pay television (previously cable services) for credit card rewards?
Yes. Barron's is classified under MCC 4899 (Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)) by Visa and Mastercard. Cards that list 'cable and other pay television (previously cable services)' as a bonus category — such as the Business Gold — will apply the elevated earn rate at Barron's.
Does my credit card earn bonus rewards at Barron's?
If your card includes cable and other pay television (previously cable services) in its bonus categories, then yes — Barron's's MCC 4899 typically qualifies. The Business Gold earns 4x 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 Barron's (MCC 4899)?
MCC 4899 (Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)) is shared by many similar businesses. Other stores in this category include: Acorn TV, Amazon Prime Video, AMC+, Apple TV+. 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.
