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How to determine the card type

Primary Account Number (PAN)​

The PAN, or Primary Account Number, is a unique number assigned to every credit or debit card issued by a financial institution. It essentially serves as the card's "identification number" and is used to track and process transactions. Here are some key points about PAN:

Structure of PAN​

PAN typically consists of 16 digits, divided into several blocks with different functions:

  • Digits 1-6: Identify the card issuer.
  • Digits 7-12: Identify the specific account of the cardholder.
  • Digits 13-15: Identify the card number in the account.
  • Digit 16: Is a verification digit used to validate the authenticity of the card number.

Importance of PAN​

PAN is crucial for processing credit and debit card transactions. Though it is usually masked in transactions for security reasons, it is necessary to authorize and record transactions properly.

PAN Security​

PAN is sensitive information and should be handled with care. The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) sets strict standards for the secure handling of PAN information.

Bank Identification Number (BIN)​

The type of a card can often be determined from the first digits of the card number, known as the BIN (Bank Identification Number). Each type of card has a specific range of numbers that identifies its type.

Examples​

Common examples of BIN ranges:

  • Visa: Begins with "4".
  • Mastercard: Begins with "5".
  • American Express: Begins with "34" or "37".
  • Discover: Begins with "6011".

It's important to note that these are examples of common BIN number ranges, and there may be variations depending on the card issuer and other factors.