What is MCC 8398?
MCC 8398 is the Merchant Category Code for Charitable and Social Service Organizations. This four-digit code is used by credit card networks to classify businesses that sell charitable and social service organizations.
MCC 8398 is used for Charitable and Social Service Organizations. Direct donations to registered charities and non-profit social-service agencies commonly use this code, but the acquiring bank and payment platform make the final assignment.
Singapore context
Many Singapore cards exclude charity donations from miles or cashback earn rates. Donations made through a commercial fundraising portal can post under a different MCC, so check the actual statement instead of assuming every donation is 8398.
When you use your credit card at a merchant classified under MCC 8398, the transaction is tagged with this code. Your credit card issuer uses this code to determine what rewards you earn—whether it's bonus miles, cashback, or base points.
Credit Cards That Earn Bonus Rewards on MCC 8398
No bonus cards found for MCC 8398. Most cards will earn base rewards (1 MPD) on this category. Check the merchant lookup tool to find cards that may earn bonuses.
Tips for Maximizing Rewards on MCC 8398
- Use the card with the highest bonus rate for this MCC category
- Track monthly caps to avoid missing out on bonus rewards
- Check if online vs offline spending affects your rewards rate
- Verify the MCC before making large purchases to ensure bonus eligibility
- Consider having multiple cards to maximize rewards across different MCCs
What typically codes as MCC 8398 — and what doesn’t
Usually 8398: direct charity donations, non-profit social-service agencies and community foundations. Usually not 8398: religious donations (often 8661), civic or fraternal memberships (8641), commercial fundraising portals, or charity dinner tickets that post as dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCC 8398?
MCC 8398 is the Merchant Category Code for Charitable and Social Service Organizations. Card networks assign it to charitable and social service organizations transactions, and your card issuer uses it — not the merchant name — to decide which bonus category applies.
Which credit cards earn rewards on MCC 8398?
Check the card rankings above — rates and conditions are shown per card for this code.
Why didn’t my transaction earn the bonus category?
The transaction posts under the MCC the acquirer registered, which can differ from what you expect — marketplaces, payment wallets, app stores and booking platforms often re-code purchases. Verify the MCC before large purchases.
Do charity donations earn Singapore credit-card rewards?
Usually not. Many cards exclude charitable giving from earn rates, and a fundraising platform may use a different MCC. Verify the posted code and your card’s exclusions.
Related MCC Codes
Neighbouring categories — check these when a purchase doesn’t post as MCC 8398: