What Is a Credit Card Number and How to Read It (2024)

The numbers on every credit card are much more than a string of randomised numbers issued for each individual customer. They in fact adhere to international standards describing both the location and history of the credit card. In this article, learn about what the credit card number sequences on each credit card means, how they assist in credit card fraud, and what the other features signify.

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What do the credit card numbers on each card mean?

The majority of credit card issuers (Visa and Mastercard) have 16 digits displayed across their cards. American Express has 15.The first six digits of the number indicate the Issuer Identification number or IIN. The first digit is the Major Industry Identifier or MII.

    • 5 = Mastercard
    • 4 = Visa
    • 3 = American Express

The following five digits refer to the specific issuing bank. It is with these numbers that the necessary exchange of information for every transaction can take place.Mastercard: 2 and 3; 2 to 4; 5; or 6Visa: 2 to 6American Express: 3 and 4 (indicating whether the card is Platinum, Delta, etc.)The next six numbers indicate the account number. Usually six in total, the number of digits can also reach up to twelve. This sequence of numbers is assigned to individual customers.Below see a shorthand visual representation of the above information:

Card issuerFirst 6 digitsNext 5 digitsLast 6 digits
Mastercard5-2, 3, 2 – 4, 5, 6Customer account number
Visa4-2 – 6Customer account number
American Express3-3, 4Customer account number

Card security and the Luhn algorithm

The other important feature of the credit card is embedded within the numbers itself. Invented by scientist Hans Peter Luhn, it is a simple algorithm which is used to validate identification numbers. IMEI numbers, South African Identification numbers, and credit card numbers can all be deemed valid via the algorithm.Instead of malicious attacks—against which card companies employ more complex security methods—the Luhn algorithm is a check for accidental errors. Institutions use it to distinguish legitimate credit card numbers from mistyped ones. For instance, when users type their credit card digits into any online shopping website, the website will automatically determine if the number is invalid when a mistake is made.

Other credit card components

In addition to the number on the front of credit cards, the back of the card includes an expiry date (MM.YYYY format) and the CVV number.The Card Verification Value is a three or four-digit number which functions as another mode of verification and protection. When a card machine registers the CVV, further assurance is provided that the current user is the owner of the card and that it hasn’t been stolen.

Sources

  • Most credit cards have 15 or 16 digits displayed across the front, depending on the issuer
  • The first 6 digits indicate the issuer number, the next five refer to the specific issuing bank, and the final six equal the user’s account number
  • Credit cards are secured from transcription errors via the Luhn algorithm, an equation which makes sure the remaining numbers equal the check digits
  • Credit cards also include an expiration date and CVV, which provides further assurance that the card belongs to its holder

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What Is a Credit Card Number and How to Read It (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Credit Card Number and How to Read It? ›

Most credit cards have 15 or 16 digits displayed across the front, depending on the issuer. The first 6 digits indicate the issuer number, the next five refer to the specific issuing bank, and the final six equal the user's account number.

How to read a credit card number? ›

The first six to eight digits are referred to as the bank identification number (BIN) or issuer identification number (IIN). These numbers identify the card issuer. The remaining digits identify the individual account of the cardholder. Because each digit has meaning, it's crucial to protect your credit card number.

How do you identify Visa or Mastercard by number? ›

Credit card number

Your credit card number is unique to you and includes information used to identify your account, card and who it's issued by. The first digit indicates the provider: Mastercard numbers start with a 2 or 5. Visa card numbers start with a 4.

What card number is 4111 1111 1111 1111 CVV? ›

Windcave eCommerce test details

Only pre-approved 'test card' numbers provided by Windcave can be used for testing, within test environments. We recommend using the test card 4111 1111 1111 1111 for Visa, 5431 1111 1111 1111 for MasterCard, 3711 1111 1111 114 for Amex, and 3600 0000 0000 08 for Diners.

What are the first 4 digits of a Visa credit card? ›

The first four digits of a Visa card are part of the IIN (Issuer Identification Number) or BIN (Bank Identification Number). Visa card numbers always start with 4, and the next five digits tell which credit card company, bank, or credit union issued the card.

How to decode card number? ›

Issuer Identification Number (IIN)

The first six digits (including the MII) denote the Issuer Identification Number. It is also known as Bank Identification Number (BIN).

Can you tell what bank by credit card number? ›

Bank Identification Numbers (BINs) are the first 6 to 8 digits of a card number. These numbers are used to identify the issuing bank or financial institution of the card.

How to tell if a credit card is Visa or Mastercard? ›

Yes, it is very simple to determine the type of credit card simply by looking at the card's number. The first digit of the credit card number tells you if the card is from American Express (3), Visa (4), Mastercard (2 or 5), or Discover (6).

What is the structure of a credit card number? ›

Structure. Payment card numbers are composed of 8 to 19 digits, The leading six or eight digits are the issuer identification number (IIN) sometimes referred to as the bank identification number (BIN). The remaining numbers, except the last digit, are the individual account identification number.

How do I read my Visa card number? ›

Other credit card components
  1. Most credit cards have 15 or 16 digits displayed across the front, depending on the issuer.
  2. The first 6 digits indicate the issuer number, the next five refer to the specific issuing bank, and the final six equal the user's account number.

What credit card starts with 6011? ›

Discover cards, on the other hand, usually start with the digits 6011. American Express, Diner's Club, and Carte Blanche share the first digit, which is always a 3. However, the following digits differ to further differentiate between these card issuers.

What credit card starts with 4400? ›

Yes, Visa cards can start with the number sequence "4400." However, please note that the first 4 digits of a Visa card number are known as the "Bank Identification Number" (BIN), and the BIN can vary depending on the bank that issued the card.

What is an example of a card number for Visa? ›

Credit Card Number (Visa) is 16-digit number and might have dashes (hyphen) or spaces as separators. For example, NNNN-NNNN-NNNN-NNNN or NNNN NNNN NNNN NNNN.

Can anyone do anything with the last four digits of your credit card? ›

You can't tell a credit card number by the last four digits. However, you could find a credit card you've saved in an account, such as on Amazon, by the last four numbers. Those are the only digits you'll be able to see when you look at the saved payment methods in your account.

How to identify credit card and debit card by number? ›

You can't tell whether a card is associated with a debit or credit account based on numbers alone. Still, you can usually find that out by looking at the card as most of them have a “credit” or “debit” label somewhere on the card.

Can you identify cards by the first four digits? ›

This number is called the MII, or major industry identifier, and it specifies the card network and industry. If your card starts with 3, your card uses the American Express network. Visa starts with 4, a Mastercard is 5 and Discover is 6. Other numbers are used to identify the industry.

What do the 16 digits on a credit card mean? ›

Most credit cards have 15 or 16 digits displayed across the front, depending on the issuer. The first 6 digits indicate the issuer number, the next five refer to the specific issuing bank, and the final six equal the user's account number.

What is the format of credit card number? ›

Structure. Payment card numbers are composed of 8 to 19 digits, The leading six or eight digits are the issuer identification number (IIN) sometimes referred to as the bank identification number (BIN). The remaining numbers, except the last digit, are the individual account identification number.

What is the meaning of 16 digit debit card number? ›

The 16-digit bank card number on a Debit Card reflects your linked bank account. It is also important from a security point of view. Each digit serves a specific purpose. The first 6 digits represent the Bank Identification Number, and the remaining 10 digits are known as the Unique Account Number.

What do the first 6 digits of a credit card mean? ›

The first six or eight digits of the credit card represent the Issuer Identification Number (IIN), also known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN). These digits clearly identify the financial institution issuing the card.

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