Understanding the Meaning of Numbers on Credit and Debit Cards

In recent years it has become more and more common to use a credit card instead of cash. The normal thing today is to carry one or more credit or debit cards in our wallet and we observe that payments are increasingly made with cards. It is very important to know very well how our bank cards work so as not to fall into traps or scams. One of the most important details to pay attention to is the numbers on the credit or debit cards, since they contain relevant and hidden information. Both credit and debit cards have an initial code that provides important information about their operation. These numbers have a specific meaning that ensures the uniqueness of the card and establishes a secure path for payment processing.

What the numbers on your card mean

Credit card numbers They are in relief, before they had a meaning to mark them on a paper that the bank kept. Nowadays, the majority no longer retain this relief, only debit ones. The numbers on the cards have a meaning that you should know, in order they are as follows:

• The first number on the card is used to find out who has been the issuer of the card: a 1 for airlines, a 2 for an aviation company, a 3 for American Express or Diners Club, a 4 for VISA, a 5 for MasterCard, a 6 for Discover, a 7 for oil companies, an 8 for companies in the telecommunications or health field and a 9 for the Government.
• Next, five digits appear They are the ones that allow you to know which specific bank or entity has issued the card. These numbers, together with the previous one, together constitute what is known as BIN or Bank Identification Number. They are common, that is, everyone who has a card from a specific bank can see how they are repeated, just like the first number.
• The most personal numbers arrive, nine digits correspond to the client’s individual account. In this case they cannot be the same as those of any person, they will be exclusive to that card. In the same way as the person who has a specific checking account.
• Finally, it appears, the last digit is the so-called check digit, a number that is calculated by applying Luhn’s algorithm and using the checksum method. It is a very effective security system to avoid any added problems, it ensures the payments made with this system.

In summary, The first few numbers on a credit card provide valuable information about the type of card and the issuing entity. By knowing these meanings, users can better understand the benefits and features of their credit card, as well as ensure its correct use and take advantage of the associated services. If you have any questions or concerns about the first few numbers on your card, it is always advisable to contact your issuing entity for additional clarification.