Advertiser Disclosure — This site may receive compensation when you click links and apply for credit cards. Compensation may impact which products appear and their placement. We strive to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee all details are current. Full disclosure
Shutterstock is classified under MCC 5818 (Digital Goods: Large Digital Goods Merchant). The best card for Shutterstock purchases is the Sapphire Preferred ($95/yr annual fee), earning 3x on digital goods: large digital goods merchant — an effective return of 6.15%.
Shutterstock, a large digital goods merchant, is crucial for creatives and businesses seeking image and video assets. The Blue Cash Preferred card category rewards big with 6x points here.
Pro Tip
To maximize your Shutterstock rewards, consider setting up subscriptions or bulk purchases during sales to hit that 6x points threshold.
When you pay at Shutterstock in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 5818 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a digital goods: large digital goods merchant merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "digital goods: large digital goods merchant" purchases, Shutterstock transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Shutterstock specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Shutterstock 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 5818 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 5818: Digital Goods: Large Digital Goods Merchant
Merchant Category Code 5818 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Digital Goods: Large Digital Goods Merchant industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5818, all qualifying card programs that include digital goods: large digital goods merchant as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Digital 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 Digital Goods: Large Digital Goods Merchant Merchants (MCC 5818)
Spending $200/month at Shutterstock with the Sapphire Preferred (3x on digital goods: large digital goods merchant) earns approximately $72/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. After the $95 annual fee, that is $-23 more per year.
Prefer no annual fee? The Autograph earns 3x at Shutterstock merchants, earning $72/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Shutterstock use?
Shutterstock uses MCC 5818 (Digital Goods: Large Digital Goods Merchant). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Shutterstock.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Shutterstock?
The Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on digital goods: large digital goods merchant purchases (MCC 5818), making it the highest-earning option at Shutterstock among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Shutterstock?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on digital goods: large digital goods merchant purchases, Shutterstock transactions (MCC 5818) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Shutterstock classified as digital goods: large digital goods merchant for credit card purposes?
Yes. Shutterstock is classified under MCC 5818, which falls in the Digital Goods: Large Digital Goods Merchant category. This means cards with digital goods: large digital goods merchant bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Shutterstock.
What is MCC 5818 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5818 stands for Digital Goods: Large Digital Goods Merchant. It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in general purchases at this merchant type. Besides Shutterstock, other merchants in the same MCC include similar businesses in the digital industry group.
PointsPick may earn a commission when you apply through our links.
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.
