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Rakuten is classified under MCC 5999 (Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores). The best card for Rakuten purchases is the Altitude Reserve (no annual fee), earning 5x on miscellaneous and specialty retail stores — an effective return of 7.50%.
Rakuten (MCC 5999) is a goldmine for Shopper Cash Rewards cards, which offer great bonuses on online shopping sites like Rakuten.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, sign up for new cards through the Rakuten website and use them exclusively for Rakuten purchases.
When you pay at Rakuten 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, Rakuten transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Rakuten specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Rakuten 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 Rakuten 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 Rakuten merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Rakuten use?
Rakuten 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 Rakuten.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Rakuten?
The Altitude Reserve earns 5x on miscellaneous and specialty retail stores purchases (MCC 5999), making it the highest-earning option at Rakuten among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Rakuten?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on miscellaneous and specialty retail stores purchases, Rakuten transactions (MCC 5999) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Rakuten classified as miscellaneous and specialty retail stores for credit card purposes?
Yes. Rakuten 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 Rakuten.
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 Rakuten, 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.
