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Ethiopian Airlines is classified under MCC 4511 (Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere)). The best card for Ethiopian Airlines purchases is the Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr annual fee), earning 10x on airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere) — an effective return of 20.50%.
The Airlines category (MCC 4511) is crucial for frequent flyers as it can offer generous rewards, especially on cards like the Sapphire Reserve that offers 10x points.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, always use an airline-specific card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve when booking flights through Ethiopian Airlines.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 a month with Ethiopian Airlines, the Sapphire Reserve card will earn you $240 in annual rewards at 10x points, while a basic 1% cashback card would only net you $24.
When you pay at Ethiopian Airlines at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 4511 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere) merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere)" purchases, Ethiopian Airlines transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Ethiopian Airlines specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Ethiopian Airlines 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 4511 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 4511: Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere)
Merchant Category Code 4511 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere) industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 4511, all qualifying card programs that include airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere) as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Transportation 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 Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere) Merchants (MCC 4511)
Spending $200/month at Ethiopian Airlines with the Sapphire Reserve (10x on airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere)) earns approximately $240/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. After the $795 annual fee, that is $-555 more per year.
Prefer no annual fee? The Double Cash earns 5x at Ethiopian Airlines merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Ethiopian Airlines use?
Ethiopian Airlines uses MCC 4511 (Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere)). Our top pick for this MCC is the Sapphire Reserve, which earns 10x (20.50% effective return) on airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere) purchases.
How much can I earn at Ethiopian Airlines with the right credit card?
Spending $200/month ($2400/year) at Ethiopian Airlines with the Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr annual fee) earns approximately $240/year at 10x. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending — that is $216 more per year with the right card.
Is Ethiopian Airlines classified as airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere) for credit card rewards?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines is classified under MCC 4511 (Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere)) by Visa and Mastercard. Cards that list 'airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere)' as a bonus category — such as the Sapphire Reserve — will apply the elevated earn rate at Ethiopian Airlines.
Does my credit card earn bonus rewards at Ethiopian Airlines?
If your card includes airlines, air carriers ( not listed elsewhere) in its bonus categories, then yes — Ethiopian Airlines's MCC 4511 typically qualifies. The Sapphire Reserve earns 10x 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 Ethiopian Airlines (MCC 4511)?
MCC 4511 (Airlines, Air Carriers ( not listed elsewhere)) is shared by many similar businesses. Other stores in this category include: Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air Arabia. 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.
