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Motel 6 is classified under MCC 7011 (Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified)). The best card for Motel 6 purchases is the Sapphire Reserve ($795/yr annual fee), earning 10x on lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified) — an effective return of 20.50%.
The Motel 6 MCC is a great fit for travel rewards enthusiasts because it covers everyday lodging expenses, making it ideal for cards like the Hilton Honors Aspire that offer high multipliers.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, consider using points or certificates towards booking at Motel 6 for nights when rates are higher.
When you pay at Motel 6 at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 7011 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified) merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified)" purchases, Motel 6 transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Motel 6 specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Motel 6 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 7011 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 7011: Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified)
Merchant Category Code 7011 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified) industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 7011, all qualifying card programs that include lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified) as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Lodging 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 Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified) Merchants (MCC 7011)
Spending $200/month at Motel 6 with the Sapphire Reserve (10x on lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified)) 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Motel 6 use?
Motel 6 uses MCC 7011 (Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified)). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Motel 6.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Motel 6?
The Sapphire Reserve earns 10x on lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified) purchases (MCC 7011), making it the highest-earning option at Motel 6 among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Motel 6?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified) purchases, Motel 6 transactions (MCC 7011) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Motel 6 classified as lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified) for credit card purposes?
Yes. Motel 6 is classified under MCC 7011, which falls in the Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified) category. This means cards with lodging – hotels, motels, resorts, central reservation services (not elsewhere classified) bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Motel 6.
What is MCC 7011 and what merchants use it?
MCC 7011 stands for Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (not elsewhere classified). It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in hotel stays (direct bookings get highest rate). Besides Motel 6, other merchants in the same MCC include similar businesses in the lodging 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: April 04, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
