By Cynthia Measom Updated January 25, 2019
When accepting credit card numbers over the phone from customers, you can easily identify the type of card without asking the customer. While each credit card has a unique string of numbers, in varying lengths, the first one or two digits will reveal the issuer of the card. You can also note other characteristics of the number to help you confirm the evidence.
Identifying by the First Digit
Simply noting the first digit of the credit card account number can help you narrow down or identify the issuer. Credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa, and Discover, all have unique, identifying numbers as their first digits, with the exception of American Express, Diner's Club and Carte Blanche, which share the same first digit: the number 3. MasterCard's unique first digit is 5, while Visa's is always 4. A Discover card's first digit is consistently the number 6.
Identifying by Two or More Digits
You can further identify credit cards that start with the same first number by analyzing two or more digits. For example, even though American Express, Diner's Club and Carte Blanche all start with the number 3, you can confirm American Express numbers if the first digit, 3, is followed by a 4 or a 7. However, if a zero, 6 or 8 follow the 3, the credit card number belongs to a Diner's Club or Carte Blanche account.
Valid Lengths of Account Numbers
Some of the more common issuers of cards have between 13 and 16 digits. Each type of account number has specific lengths, which can serve as a secondary method to identify the type of credit card. For example, Visa account numbers can be up to 19 digits. If you see a credit card number that starts with a 4 and contains 19 digits, you can assume it's a Visa. Mastercard and Discover account numbers contain 16 digits. American Express contains 15 digits, and Diner's Club and Carte Blanche contain 14 digits.
Categories of Issuing Entities
The first digit of every credit card serves as a major industry identifier, or MII. For example, if the first digit of a card number is a 7, the card is issued by an entity related to the petroleum industry, such as a gasoline brand. Digits 4 and 5 – Visa and MasterCard – relate to the banking and financial industry. The number 6 – Discover – represents merchandizing and banking.
Account numbers beginning with 3 – American Express, Diner's Club and Carte Blanche – tie their issuing entity to the travel and entertainment category. The numbers 1 and 2 relate to airlines or other industry assignments, while the number 8 identifies telecommunications or other industry assignments. A number 9 represents a national assignment entity.
FAQs
Typically, the first six to eight digits, referred to as the bank identification number (BIN) or issuer identification number (IIN), 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.
What part of credit card number is account number? ›
Your account number is a set of numbers up to 12 digits long that identifies you as the owner of the credit card account. It's assigned by the financial institution issuing the card. The account number on the card begins with the seventh digit and ends on the second to last digit.
How to identify credit card type by number? ›
The first digit indicates the provider:
- Mastercard numbers start with a 2 or 5.
- Visa card numbers start with a 4.
- American Express numbers start with a 3.
To recap, when looking at the full bank card number, the first digit identifies the card issuer's industry, while the first six digits collectively identify the specific institution which issued the card.
How to know credit card number without card? ›
How to find a Credit Card account number without your card?
- Billing statement: Your Credit Card account number is often printed on your billing statement along with other account details.
- Digital wallet: If you've added your Credit Card to a digital wallet app, you can easily view the account number within the app.
Most banks also print the bank account number on the front or back of your bank card. However, this is not to be confused with the card number, which is the 16 digit number, usually placed in the middle of your bank card.
How to know credit card account number? ›
On the credit card - For most credit cards, the account number is printed on the front or the back of the card. It is usually a 15- or 16-digit number, although some card issuers may have different formatting. It will also have the expiry date and CVV/CVC printed alongside it.
How to identify a credit card transaction? ›
Reviewing your credit card statement
Your credit card statement provides a detailed summary of how you use your credit card throughout a billing cycle. Reviewing your credit card statement every month is a good way to view your purchases and identify any unknown charges.
How do I find out who owns a credit card? ›
Call the number on the back of the card and tell the credit card company that you found it. They'll contact the card's owner for you. It's possible that the card was already reported as lost anyway, and the card company will issue a new card with a new number.
How to identify credit card and debit card? ›
The key difference is that debit cards are linked to a bank account and draw directly from those funds (similar to a check). A credit card, on the other hand, does not draw any money immediately and must be paid back in the future, subject to any interest charges accrued.
Pulling your credit report and credit score is the most accurate and convenient way to find all of the accounts that have been reported in your name. Your credit report will display every open account in your name, from bank accounts to credit cards and more.
How to check account number? ›
It can be found on the main page with all the account details. Every cheque leaf also has the account number printed on it. Passbook or Monthly Statements : Passbook: most public sector banks still provide a passbook which comprises all the debits and credits of the bank account.
How to find capital one credit card account number? ›
On your card: The rule is simple and it applies to all credit cards. Look at the credit card number on the front. Skip past the first 6 numbers on your card and exclude the last number on your card. The remaining numbers will be your account number.
Why does my credit card not have an account number? ›
Credit cards do not have account numbers. The long credit card number on the front is the number to use for your credit card account and this is the number you need to use to make payments or to contact your bank.
Where do you find your account number? ›
A bank checking account's number is located at the bottom of the paper check. You'll see three sets of numbers in a computer-readable font at the bottom of the check: The first set of numbers on the left is the nine-digit bank routing number. The middle numbers are your account number.
Is account number written on card? ›
Card Number on Debit Card - FAQs
Where is the account number on a debit card? The bank account number is not on the debit card. Your debit card has a 16 digit number printed on its front side which is the debit card number. Please note that this is not your bank account number.
How many digits is an account number? ›
How many digits is a bank account number? Bank account numbers typically consist of eight to 12 digits, but some account numbers could even contain up to 17 digits.
