Question
I know that Visa publishes a Merchant category code list. I am aware that Chase uses this list to determine if a charge at a store is classed as Groceries or not.
Does anyone know how to determine which Groceries are classed as Groceries by Visa/Chase? e.g. is Safeway/Vons a Grocery under this classification?
I need to follow-up with Chase for some missing Double RDMs under their United Platinum Visa t&c, hence the question.
Answer
I used to work for Visa. It is not possible to determine which grocery stores use the Grocery Merchant Category Code (MCC) without examining the MCC that comes through on a transaction.
I would have to imagine that Safeway/Vons uses the published Grocery Store MCC that Visa mandates. According to Visa policy, a merchant must use the correct MCC. If you have a dispute about the number of RDMs, calling Chase will allow them to tell you what MCC came through on a given transaction. If that MCC does not match Visa's Grocery Store MCC, then it should be reported to Visa so that Visa can track down the grocery store's processor and levy fines against them until they comply with Visa standards.