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Groupon is classified under MCC 5999 (Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores). The best card for Groupon purchases is the Altitude Reserve (no annual fee), earning 5x on miscellaneous and specialty retail stores — an effective return of 7.50%.
Groupon (MCC 5999) is a great place to score big rewards if you have a Shopper Cash+ or similar card that offers high cash back on retail purchases.
Pro Tip
To maximize rewards, always check if Groupon offers match your card's top earning categories before making a purchase.
When you pay at Groupon in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 5999 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a miscellaneous and specialty retail 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 "miscellaneous and specialty retail stores" purchases, Groupon transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Groupon specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Groupon 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 5999 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 5999: Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores
Merchant Category Code 5999 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5999, all qualifying card programs that include miscellaneous and specialty retail 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 Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores Merchants (MCC 5999)
Spending $200/month at Groupon with the Altitude Reserve (5x on miscellaneous and specialty retail 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 Amazon Prime earns 5x at Groupon merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Groupon use?
Groupon uses MCC 5999 (Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Groupon.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Groupon?
The Altitude Reserve earns 5x on miscellaneous and specialty retail stores purchases (MCC 5999), making it the highest-earning option at Groupon among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Groupon?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on miscellaneous and specialty retail stores purchases, Groupon transactions (MCC 5999) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Groupon classified as miscellaneous and specialty retail stores for credit card purposes?
Yes. Groupon is classified under MCC 5999, which falls in the Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores category. This means cards with miscellaneous and specialty retail stores bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Groupon.
What is MCC 5999 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5999 stands for Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores. It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in online retailers and miscellaneous merchants. Besides Groupon, 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.
