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HomeMCC LookupMCC 5251Do it Best Hardware
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Best Credit Card for Do it Best Hardware in 2026

In-Store Retail
Updated March 16, 2026 · By Sudhir Bandla, Credit Card Data Analyst · Methodology
MCC Code
5251
Hardware Stores
Confirmed via network classification
Quick Answer

Do it Best Hardware is classified under MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores). The best card for Do it Best Hardware purchases is the Lowes (no annual fee), earning 5x on hardware stores — an effective return of 7.50%.

Hardware stores like Do it Best are covered under the Home Improvement category in many credit cards, offering higher rewards rates for essential home maintenance and renovation purchases.

Pro Tip

Use your rewards-earning card for all purchases at Do it Best, including smaller items like paint or light bulbs, not just big ticket tools and equipment.

Do it Best Hardware purchases are classified under MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores).

MCC Details for Do it Best Hardware

MCC Code
5251
Category
Hardware Stores
Industry Group
Retail
Purchase Type
Physical locations
What This Covers
Hardware and home improvement stores

Best Credit Cards for Do it Best Hardware (2026)

Top Pick
#1
Lowes
American Express
5xRetail
7.50%Effective Return
$0Annual Fee
Strong retail card for Do it Best Hardware — 5x points, 7.5% effective return (no annual fee).
Apply NowFull Review
#2
Custom Cash
Citi
5xRetail
5.00%Effective Return
$0Annual Fee
Strong retail card for Do it Best Hardware — 5x points, 5.0% effective return (no annual fee).
Apply NowFull Review
#3
Ink Business Cash
Chase
2xRetail
4.10%Effective Return
$0Annual Fee
Best no-fee option for Do it Best Hardware — 2x on retail, $0 annual cost.
Apply NowFull Review
#4
Business Platinum
American Express
2xRetail
3.00%Effective Return
$695Annual Fee
Earns 2x on retail at Do it Best Hardware ($695/yr).
Apply NowFull Review
#5
Customized Cash Rewards
Bank of America
2xRetail
2.00%Effective Return
$0Annual Fee
Best no-fee option for Do it Best Hardware — 2x on retail, $0 annual cost.
Apply NowFull Review

How Do it Best Hardware Codes on Your Statement

When you pay at Do it Best Hardware at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5251 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a hardware stores merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.

If your card earns bonus points on "hardware stores" purchases, Do it Best Hardware transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Do it Best Hardware specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.

You can verify the MCC on any Do it Best Hardware 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 5251 qualifies for bonus rewards.

Bonus Category Match — Do it Best Hardware

Card
Category
Bonus
Base
Fee
Home_Improvement
5x
1x
$0
Home-Improvement
5x
1x
$0
Home-Improvement
2x
1x
$0
Hardware
2x
1x
$695/yr
Home-Improvement
2x
1x
$0

About MCC 5251: Hardware Stores

Merchant Category Code 5251 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Hardware Stores industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5251, all qualifying card programs that include hardware stores as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.

The Retail 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 Hardware Stores merchants: Ace Hardware, Ace Hardware Store, Do it Best.

What You Could Earn at Do it Best Hardware

Spending $200/month at Do it Best Hardware with the Lowes (5x on hardware stores) earns approximately $120/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $96 more per year with no annual fee.

Prefer no annual fee? The Custom Cash earns 5x at Do it Best Hardware merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What MCC code does Do it Best Hardware use?
Do it Best Hardware uses MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Do it Best Hardware.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Do it Best Hardware?
The Lowes earns 5x on hardware stores purchases (MCC 5251), making it the highest-earning option at Do it Best Hardware among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Do it Best Hardware?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on hardware stores purchases, Do it Best Hardware transactions (MCC 5251) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Do it Best Hardware classified as hardware stores for credit card purposes?
Yes. Do it Best Hardware is classified under MCC 5251, which falls in the Hardware Stores category. This means cards with hardware stores bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Do it Best Hardware.
What is MCC 5251 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5251 stands for Hardware Stores. It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in hardware and home improvement stores. Besides Do it Best Hardware, other merchants in the same MCC include similar businesses in the retail industry group.
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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.