MCC 5251 · Hardware Stores · Retail
For MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) in the United States, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card gives the highest cashback at 3% (cap: 2% and 3% categories combined: first $2,500 in net purchases per calendar quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec), then 1%).
Tick the cards you hold to see which one to use here.
Based on published card terms, last checked 2026-09-30. Rates, caps and exclusions change; confirm with your bank before relying on them.
Miles are converted at your mile value; points cards without a published point value are listed separately below.
1.Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
1.Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Choice category: Home improvement & furnishings
MCCs listed in the program rules. Business-to-business merchants and wholesale distributors may not qualify. Only one choice category active at a time (default Gas & EV charging); it can be changed once per calendar month via Online/Mobile Banking. BofA Rewards / Preferred Rewards members earn 10%-75% more (e.g. 3% becomes up to 5.25%).
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
3.Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
5.Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
6.Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
7.Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
11.U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
1.American Express Gold Card
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
2.Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
3.Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Base rate (no bonus for this MCC)
Terms checked 2026-09-30 · Issuer terms ·
Highlighted merchants use MCC 5251 as their main code. Seen a different code? Report it.
For MCC 5251 (Hardware Stores) in the United States, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card gives the highest cashback at 3% (cap: 2% and 3% categories combined: first $2,500 in net purchases per calendar quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec), then 1%).
MCC 5251 is the merchant category code for Hardware Stores (Retail). MCC 5251 covers hardware stores selling tools, fasteners, paint, electrical and plumbing supplies, and household hardware. Large-format home improvement warehouses generally use 5200 (Home Supply Warehouse Stores), and lumber and building materials yards use 5211. Some hardware chains may also be coded 5200 depending on store format.
Merchants in the United States seen with MCC 5251 include Aubuchon Hardware, Do it Best, Harbor Freight Tools, Motion Industries, Northern Tool + Equipment, Outdoor Supply Hardware, True Value, Tuff Shed. A merchant's MCC can differ by payment channel, so check the code on your statement.
MCC Explorer is independent and not affiliated with any bank. Card rules are summarised from each issuer's published terms; we don't guarantee that a transaction will earn rewards.