Credit cards numbers

Credit cards numbers are one important component of credit cards. Credit cards numbers are those embossed digits ranging from 8 to about 19 numbers clearly visible on the front of credit cards. This article explains the structure of credit card numbers. 

Credit Cards Numbers Explained

The credit card number is used to identify owners of a credit card. The first six numbers on a credit card known as the “Issuer Identification Number” (IIN) and this identifies the card issuer. Secondly, the card issuer uses the subsequent digits to identify the holder of the card. Also, numbers on the card are linked to the checking account of cardholders. You should know that every number on a payment card is allotted according to ISO/IEC 7812 standards. Typically the numbers are embossed in front and engraved at the back of the credit card. Numbers are also encoded both on the chip in the front and the black magnetic stripe at the back of the credit card. 

Structure Of Credit Cards Numbers

The Issuer Identification Number (IIN) is also referred to as the “Bank Identification Number” or (BIN). This is the first-6 digits of a credit card number. However, the digit at the beginning of the card number is referred to as the (MII) or “Major Industry Identifier”. The other digits that make up the card number apart from the ending digit are the identification number linked to a customer’s checking account with a designated bank. Now the digit at the end of the card number is known as a “Check Digit” and this digit is determined by Luhn algorithm.

Length Of Credit Cards Numbers

According to the 2017 ISO/IEC 7812 fifth edition publication, payment account numbers or PAN can vary in length. Credit cards numbers usually comprise of between 10 and 19 single digits. The card number is important as it identifies the industry, card issuer, and cardholder. It also links the card to the checking account of cardholders in a registered bank.