Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using MCC Explorer ("Service"), including the website at mccexplorer.com, the MCC Explorer API, and any related services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Service.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and MCC Explorer. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Your continued use of the Service after any modifications indicates your acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Description of Service

MCC Explorer provides:

• A searchable database of Merchant Category Codes (MCCs)
• Merchant-to-MCC mapping information based on community data
• An API for programmatic access to MCC data
• Educational content about MCC codes and their usage

3. Disclaimer of MCC Data Accuracy

YOU EXPRESSLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT:

3.1 No Guarantee of Accuracy

MCC Explorer makes NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or currentness of any MCC code information, merchant classifications, or related data provided through our Service. MCC codes displayed on our platform may:

• Be incorrect due to human error during original merchant registration
• Be outdated due to business model changes that haven't been reflected in payment systems
• Differ from the actual MCC code assigned by payment processors or card networks
• Be intentionally misrepresented by merchants to obtain lower interchange fees
• Vary between different payment processors, card networks, and financial institutions
• Be overly generic and not accurately represent a merchant's primary business

3.2 Sources of MCC Data

Our MCC data is compiled from various sources including publicly available information, community contributions, and third-party data providers. We do not have access to official MCC assignments from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or other payment networks. The actual MCC code used for any given transaction may differ from what is displayed on our platform.

3.3 Not a Substitute for Official Sources

MCC Explorer is NOT an official source of MCC information. For authoritative MCC data, you must contact:

• Your payment processor or acquiring bank
• The relevant card network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.)
• The merchant directly
• Your card issuer or financial institution

3.4 Credit Card Rewards and Benefits

MCC codes affect credit card rewards, cashback categories, and purchase protections. However, card issuers determine which MCCs qualify for specific benefits, and these classifications may differ from what merchants report or what our database shows. We are not responsible for any lost rewards, denied claims, or other consequences resulting from reliance on our MCC data.

4. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW:

• MCC Explorer, its owners, employees, affiliates, and licensors shall NOT BE LIABLE for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to your use of the Service.
• This includes, but is not limited to, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, data, or other intangible losses, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
• Our total liability to you for all claims arising from or related to the Service shall not exceed the amount you have paid us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or $100 USD, whichever is greater.

4.1 Specific Exclusions

Without limiting the foregoing, we are NOT liable for:

• Loss of credit card rewards, points, or cashback due to incorrect MCC information
• Denied insurance claims or purchase protections based on MCC classifications
• Incorrect transaction categorization in financial software or budgeting tools
• Business decisions made based on MCC data from our Service
• Fees, penalties, or charges incurred due to MCC-related issues
• Any disputes with merchants, payment processors, or card issuers

5. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MCC Explorer, its owners, employees, affiliates, and licensors from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to:

• Your use of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your reliance on MCC data provided by the Service
• Any content you submit or contribute to the Service

6. API Terms of Use

6.1 API Access

Access to the MCC Explorer API is subject to registration and may require payment depending on your usage tier. API keys are personal and non-transferable.

6.2 Rate Limits

API usage is subject to rate limits based on your subscription tier. Exceeding rate limits may result in temporary or permanent suspension of API access.

6.3 Prohibited Uses

You may not:

• Resell, redistribute, or sublicense API access
• Use the API to build a competing service
• Scrape, copy, or bulk download our database for redistribution
• Attempt to circumvent rate limits or access controls
• Use the API for any illegal purpose
• Misrepresent our data as official or authoritative MCC information

6.4 Service Availability

We do not guarantee 100% uptime or availability of the API. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue the API at any time without notice. We are not liable for any downtime or service interruptions.

7. User Responsibilities

By using our Service, you agree to:

• Verify MCC information with authoritative sources before making decisions
• Not hold MCC Explorer liable for any consequences of using our data
• Provide accurate information when registering for an account
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Report any errors or inaccuracies you discover in our data

8. Intellectual Property

The Service, including its original content, features, and functionality, is owned by MCC Explorer and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Our trademarks and trade dress may not be used without our prior written permission.

MCC codes themselves are not proprietary to MCC Explorer. They are industry standards defined by ISO 18245 and used by payment networks.

9. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including breach of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Service will immediately cease.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except where prohibited by law.

11. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and MCC Explorer regarding the use of our Service and supersede any prior agreements.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: legal@mccexplorer.com