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NAICS lookup

Search any NAICS code to understand how lenders often view your industry — including general risk level and a short explanation you can use before applying for funding.

Search any NAICS code or industry

Enter a code like 541611 or keywords like administrative consulting to see lender risk guidance for that industry.

What Are NAICS Codes?

NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes are six-digit identifiers used to classify businesses by industry. These codes are used by lenders, banks, credit bureaus, and government agencies to understand your business model and risk profile.

Choosing the correct NAICS code is essential for business credit reporting, funding eligibility, and industry compliance. Your code can directly affect how your business is evaluated during underwriting and approval processes.

What Does “High-Risk” Mean?

There is no official government or centralized database that defines which NAICS codes are high-risk. Instead, this information is based on aggregated data and patterns from lenders, banks, credit card processors, and compliance departments.

Each financial institution has its own internal list of industries it considers high-risk based on factors like:

  • Regulatory or legal exposure (e.g., adult services, firearms, gambling)
  • High fraud, chargeback, or default rates (e.g., tech support, drop shipping, travel)
  • Cash-heavy operations (e.g., liquor stores, car dealers, convenience stores)
  • Industry volatility or reputational concerns

Just because a code is labeled high-risk here doesn't mean your business will be denied — but it may face stricter underwriting standards or additional documentation requirements.

How to Use This Tool

Search our curated list of commonly flagged high-risk NAICS codes to see how your business may be categorized. This can help you:

  • Better prepare for funding applications
  • Understand compliance red flags
  • Strategize NAICS code selection where possible

This tool is meant to guide, not guarantee outcomes. Always verify with your lender or funding provider for specifics.

NAICS Code Guide — Common Business Types

Examples of industries and NAICS codes commonly viewed as “low risk” by lenders. This list is a guide only.

Health Care and Social Assistance (Sector 62)

Most lenders agree that healthcare is the most desired industry for funding.

Medical and Healthcare Services

  • 621111Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)
  • 621210Offices of Dentists
  • 621310Offices of Chiropractors
  • 621340Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists
  • 621498All Other Outpatient Care Centers
  • 621512Diagnostic Imaging Centers
  • 621610Home Health Care Services
  • 622110General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Veterinary Services

  • 541940Veterinary Services

Construction (Sector 23)

Construction businesses include establishments engaged in building construction, engineering projects, site preparation, and land subdivision. Key codes include:

  • 236115New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)
  • 236116New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)
  • 236118Residential Remodelers
  • 236210Industrial Building Construction
  • 237110Water and Sewer Line Construction
  • 238110Concrete Foundation Contractors
  • 238130Framing Contractors
  • 238140Masonry Contractors

Restaurants (Sector 72 - Accommodation and Food Services)

Food service establishments that prepare meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption:

  • 722320Caterers
  • 722440Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)
  • 722511Full-Service Restaurants
  • 722513Limited-Service Restaurants
  • 722514Cafeterias and Buffets
  • 722515Snack and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Bars

Retail Trade (Sector 44-45)

Establishments engaged in retailing merchandise to the general public:

Automotive and Parts

  • 441310Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores

Food and Beverage Stores

  • 445110Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores
  • 445292Confectionery and Nut Stores
  • 445299All Other Specialty Food Stores
  • 446110Pharmacies and Drug Stores
  • 446191Food (Health) Supplement Stores

General Merchandise Stores

  • 444130Hardware Stores

Specialty Retailers

  • 451110Sporting Goods Stores
  • 451211Book Stores
  • 453110Florists
  • 453910Pet and Pet Supplies Stores
  • 453991Tobacco Stores
  • 453998All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers

Accommodation and Food Services (Sector 72)

Additional food service and accommodation establishments:

  • 311811Retail Bakeries
  • 713950Bowling Centers
  • 721110Hotels and Motels
  • 721191Bed-and-Breakfast Inns
  • 722320Caterers
  • 722410Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)
  • 722511Full-Service Restaurants
  • 722513Limited-Service Restaurants

Other Services (Sector 81)

Repair, maintenance, and personal services:

Automotive Services

  • 811111General Automotive Repair
  • 811192Car Washes
  • 811198All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance

Personal Care Services

  • 812111Barber Shops
  • 812112Beauty Salons
  • 812113Nail Salons
  • 812199Other Personal Care Services

Professional Services

  • 323111Commercial Printing
  • 541921Photography Studios, Portrait

Manufacturing (Sector 31-33)

  • 311991Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing

Automotive Dealers (Sector 44 - Retail Trade)

Establishments primarily engaged in retailing new and used vehicles:

Automobile Dealers

  • 441110New Car Dealers
  • 441120Used Car Dealers

Specialty Motor Vehicle Dealers

  • 441210Recreational Vehicle Dealers
  • 441222Boat Dealers
  • 441227Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers

Cleaning Services (Sector 56 - Administrative and Support Services)

Services to buildings and dwellings:

  • 561720Janitorial Services
  • 561730Landscaping Services
  • 561740Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services
  • 561790Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings

Consulting Services (Sector 54 - Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services)

Management, scientific, and technical consulting:

Management Consulting

  • 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting
  • 541612Human Resources Consulting
  • 541613Marketing Consulting
  • 541614Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting
  • 541618Other Management Consulting

Specialized Consulting

  • 541620Environmental Consulting
  • 541690Other Scientific and Technical Consulting

Note: Specialized cleaning and consulting industries have their own specific codes. When in doubt, consult the full NAICS database.

Risk levels are general guidance based on common lender perspectives and are not a guarantee of approval, rates, or funding outcomes. Always review program requirements with each lender.