Method 1: Use a MCC Lookup Tool (Before You Pay)
A lookup tool is the only method that tells you the MCC before the money leaves your card — which is exactly when the knowledge is useful. With CheckMCC.sg's MCC code checker you can search three ways:
- By merchant name — type “Shopee”, “Grab”, “Klook” or any Singapore merchant and see its MCC instantly
- By four-digit code — already have a code like 5411? Look up what it means and which cards reward it
- By category — browse all merchants in a category like dining or online shopping
Example: checking Shopee before checkout
Search “Shopee” → the merchant page shows Shopee's MCC and the Singapore cards that earn bonus rates on it. You confirm the right card is in your wallet before the 11.11 sale, not after.
Method 2: Check Transaction Details in Your Bank App
After a purchase, open the transaction in your bank's mobile app. What you see varies by bank: some show a merchant category label on the transaction, others show only the merchant name. This method confirms the classification after you've spent — useful when rewards didn't post as expected and you want evidence before disputing.
If your app shows only the merchant name and amount, search that exact name on the MCC checker to map it to its code.
Method 3: Read Your Card's Published MCC Lists
Banks publish which MCCs matter for each card — bonus categories and exclusion lists live in the card's terms and conditions. For example, Citi publishes a Merchant Category Codes list for its rewards cards, and UOB's card terms list the MCCs excluded from bonus rates. Reading your own card's list tells you the inverse of a lookup: not “what code is this merchant?” but “which codes does my card reward?”
CheckMCC does this matching for you — every merchant page shows card eligibility side by side with the MCC. See the Singapore MCC guide for how major local cards treat each category.
Method 4: Ask Your Bank (For Disputes)
If bonus rewards didn't post and you've confirmed the MCC via the tool, your bank can verify the exact code their system recorded for the transaction. Quote the merchant, date, amount and the MCC you found — it shortens the dispute considerably. This is the slow path; use it for fixing problems, not for planning spends.
MCC Codes Singapore Shoppers Check Most
These merchant MCCs come up constantly in Singapore. Each links to its live merchant page:
Why the same merchant shows different codes
Payment platforms often code each service separately — one brand, several MCCs. Grab is the classic case: rides code as transport (4121), food delivery as fast food (5814), and GrabPay wallet top-ups code differently again. When checking, always match the exact payment channel you'll use, not just the brand.
Check Before Your Next Big Purchase
A 30-second MCC check before paying can be worth thousands of miles over a year. Make it a habit: search the merchant, confirm the MCC, pick the card that rewards it.