Best Credit Card for YMCA in 2026
YMCA is classified under MCC 7997 (Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and Private Golf Courses). The best card for YMCA purchases is the Custom Cash (no annual fee), earning 5x on membership clubs (sports, recreation, athletic), country clubs, and private golf courses — an effective return of 5.00%.
If you're a regular at your local YMCA, the Membership Clubs category is key for earning rewards on your credit cards. Look for cards that offer high rewards rates in this category.
Sign up for your YMCA membership during special promotion periods when credit cards often offer bonus rewards.
YMCA purchases are classified under MCC 7997 (Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and Private Golf Courses). If you spend frequently here, see our best cards for entertainment.
MCC Details for YMCA
Best Credit Cards for YMCA (2026)
How YMCA Codes on Your Statement
When you pay at YMCA at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 7997 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a membership clubs (sports, recreation, athletic), country clubs, and private golf courses merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "membership clubs (sports, recreation, athletic), country clubs, and private golf courses" purchases, YMCA transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not YMCA specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any YMCA 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 7997 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Bonus Category Match — YMCA
About MCC 7997: Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and Private Golf Courses
Merchant Category Code 7997 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and Private Golf Courses industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 7997, all qualifying card programs that include membership clubs (sports, recreation, athletic), country clubs, and private golf courses as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Entertainment 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 Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and Private Golf Courses merchants: 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Athletic Club of the Rockies.
What You Could Earn at YMCA
Spending $200/month at YMCA with the Custom Cash (5x on membership clubs (sports, recreation, athletic), country clubs, and private golf courses) 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.