Best Credit Card for JOANN in 2026
JOANN is classified under MCC 5945 (Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops). The best card for JOANN purchases is the Active Cash (no annual fee), earning 2x on hobby, toy, and game shops — an effective return of 2.00%.
JOANN is a great place for crafters and DIY enthusiasts. Many credit cards in the 'Shopping & Everyday' category offer higher rewards rates here.
Look for cards that offer bonus rewards on craft and hobby stores like JOANN to maximize your spending.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 at JOANN monthly with a 2% cash back card, you'll earn $4 per month ($48 annually), which is double what you'd get from a basic 1% card.
JOANN purchases are classified under MCC 5945 (Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops).
MCC Details for JOANN
Best Credit Cards for JOANN (2026)
How JOANN Codes on Your Statement
When you pay at JOANN at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5945 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a hobby, toy, and game shops merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "hobby, toy, and game shops" purchases, JOANN transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not JOANN specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any JOANN 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 5945 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Bonus Category Match — JOANN
About MCC 5945: Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops
Merchant Category Code 5945 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5945, all qualifying card programs that include hobby, toy, and game shops 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 Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops merchants: Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michaels.
What You Could Earn at JOANN
Spending $200/month at JOANN with the Active Cash (2x on hobby, toy, and game shops) earns approximately $48/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $24 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The Signify Business Cash earns 2x at JOANN merchants, earning $48/year with no annual fee.