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Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)
Confirmed via network classification
Quick Answer
DirecTV Stream is classified under MCC 4899 (Cable and other pay television (previously Cable Services)). The best card for DirecTV Stream 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%.
The MCC 4899 for DirecTV Stream is crucial because it falls under the Cable and other pay television category, which many premium rewards cards like the Blue Cash Preferred cover.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, sign up for auto-pay with your DirecTV account linked to your Blue Cash Preferred card.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 a month on DirecTV Stream, the Blue Cash Preferred card would earn you $144 annually compared to just $24 from a standard 1% cash back card.
When you pay at DirecTV Stream 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, DirecTV Stream transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not DirecTV Stream specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any DirecTV Stream 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 DirecTV Stream 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 DirecTV Stream merchants, earning $72/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does DirecTV Stream use?
DirecTV Stream 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 DirecTV Stream with the right credit card?
Spending $200/month ($2400/year) at DirecTV Stream 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 DirecTV Stream classified as cable and other pay television (previously cable services) for credit card rewards?
Yes. DirecTV Stream 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 DirecTV Stream.
Does my credit card earn bonus rewards at DirecTV Stream?
If your card includes cable and other pay television (previously cable services) in its bonus categories, then yes — DirecTV Stream'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 DirecTV Stream (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.
