# Retrieve Categories
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/priceless-specials/documentation/use-cases/retrieve-categories/index.md

The Retrieve Categories service allows the Issuer to retrieve available categories on the Priceless Specials API.

Upon successful request for retrieval of the categories, the issuer may use the Category IDs to further fine-tune their requests for offers, programs, or benefits from the Priceless Specials API.

## Pre-requisites {#pre-requisites}

Before using the Priceless Specials API service, your project must first be created as an API project on the Mastercard Developers.

## Sequence diagram {#sequence-diagram}

The following sequence diagram shows the order of events for a solution that uses the `/categories` endpoint.
Diagram retrieve-categories-new

Following are the execution steps:

1. The cardholder logs into the issuer mobile application or website to access information.
2. The issuer application sends a request to the issuer server.
3. The issuer server sends a request to the `/categories` endpoint.
4. Mastercard authenticates the API request.
5. After successful authentication, the Priceless Specials API returns a JSON response with the list of available category IDs and their respective names.
6. The issuer server sends the available categories information to the issuer application.
7. The issuer application displays the available categories information to the cardholder.

## Endpoint {#endpoint}


API Reference: `GET /categories`