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
Steam is classified under MCC 5816 (Digital Goods: Games). The best card for Steam purchases is the Xbox (no annual fee), earning 5x on digital goods: games — an effective return of 7.50%.
MCC 5816 covers digital goods like Steam games, making it a prime target for credit card rewards on gaming and entertainment expenses.
Pro Tip
Maximize your earnings by pre-loading money onto a Steam gift card and then purchasing games through that, effectively doubling your reward rate.
When you pay at Steam in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 5816 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a digital goods: games 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: games" purchases, Steam transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Steam specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Steam 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 5816 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Merchant Category Code 5816 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Digital Goods: Games industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5816, all qualifying card programs that include digital goods: games 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.
Spending $200/month at Steam with the Xbox (5x on digital goods: games) 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 Autograph earns 3x at Steam merchants, earning $72/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Steam use?
Steam uses MCC 5816 (Digital Goods: Games). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Steam.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Steam?
The Xbox earns 5x on digital goods: games purchases (MCC 5816), making it the highest-earning option at Steam among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Steam?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on digital goods: games purchases, Steam transactions (MCC 5816) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Steam classified as digital goods: games for credit card purposes?
Yes. Steam is classified under MCC 5816, which falls in the Digital Goods: Games category. This means cards with digital goods: games bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Steam.
What is MCC 5816 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5816 stands for Digital Goods: Games. It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in digital music and app subscriptions. Besides Steam, 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.
