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Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services)
Confirmed via network classification
Quick Answer
Thorntons is classified under MCC 5541 (Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services)). The best card for Thorntons purchases is the Ink Business Cash (no annual fee), earning 5x on service stations ( with or without ancillary services) — an effective return of 10.25%.
Service stations like Thorntons are crucial for frequent travelers and commuters, making them a key MCC to watch in credit card rewards programs. Premium cards often cover these expenses with high earning rates.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, consider setting up automatic fuel purchases or recurring car washes at Thorntons if they offer such services.
When you pay at Thorntons at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5541 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a service stations ( with or without ancillary services) merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "service stations ( with or without ancillary services)" purchases, Thorntons transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Thorntons specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Thorntons 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 5541 qualifies for bonus rewards.
About MCC 5541: Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services)
Merchant Category Code 5541 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services) industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5541, all qualifying card programs that include service stations ( with or without ancillary services) 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 Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services) Merchants (MCC 5541)
Spending $200/month at Thorntons with the Ink Business Cash (5x on service stations ( with or without ancillary services)) 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 Custom Cash earns 5x at Thorntons merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Thorntons use?
Thorntons uses MCC 5541 (Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services)). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Thorntons.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Thorntons?
The Ink Business Cash earns 5x on service stations ( with or without ancillary services) purchases (MCC 5541), making it the highest-earning option at Thorntons among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Thorntons?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on service stations ( with or without ancillary services) purchases, Thorntons transactions (MCC 5541) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Thorntons classified as service stations ( with or without ancillary services) for credit card purposes?
Yes. Thorntons is classified under MCC 5541, which falls in the Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services) category. This means cards with service stations ( with or without ancillary services) bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Thorntons.
What is MCC 5541 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5541 stands for Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services). It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in gas stations (pay-at-pump and inside). Besides Thorntons, 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: April 04, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
