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Gelson's is classified under MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores, Supermarkets). The best card for Gelson's purchases is the Freedom Flex (no annual fee), earning 5x on grocery stores, supermarkets — an effective return of 10.25%.
Gelson's, a premium grocery store, is categorized under MCC 5411 for supermarkets. This category is often covered by cards like the Hilton Honors Surpass which offers generous rewards, making it ideal for frequent shoppers.
Pro Tip
Maximize your rewards by timing your purchases during Gelson's special promotions and using your high-reward grocery card exclusively for all shopping there.
When you pay at Gelson's at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5411 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a grocery stores, supermarkets merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "grocery stores, supermarkets" purchases, Gelson's transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Gelson's specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Gelson'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 5411 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Merchant Category Code 5411 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Grocery Stores, Supermarkets industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5411, all qualifying card programs that include grocery stores, supermarkets 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 Grocery Stores, Supermarkets Merchants (MCC 5411)
Spending $200/month at Gelson's with the Freedom Flex (5x on grocery stores, supermarkets) 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 AAA Daily Advantage earns 5x at Gelson's merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Gelson's use?
Gelson's uses MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores, Supermarkets). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Gelson's.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Gelson's?
The Freedom Flex earns 5x on grocery stores, supermarkets purchases (MCC 5411), making it the highest-earning option at Gelson's among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Gelson's?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on grocery stores, supermarkets purchases, Gelson's transactions (MCC 5411) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Gelson's classified as grocery stores, supermarkets for credit card purposes?
Yes. Gelson's is classified under MCC 5411, which falls in the Grocery Stores, Supermarkets category. This means cards with grocery stores, supermarkets bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Gelson's.
What is MCC 5411 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5411 stands for Grocery Stores, Supermarkets. It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in grocery and supermarket purchases. Besides Gelson's, other merchants in the same MCC include similar businesses in the retail industry group.
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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.
