Mastercard has how many digits

Following the numbers that identify the issuer are the numbers that identify the account holder. Each issuer has one trillion possible numerical configurations with which to create account numbers and different credit cards use slightly different numbering systems. Your account number may have as few as nine or as many as 12 digits. The last digit of a credit card number is known as a check sum. It is a key that shows whether a credit card is indeed valid.

The Luhn algorithm was developed by inventor Peter Luhn, an IBM engineer who played a role in the early development of the internet. This complex algorithm is able to immediately detect errors when people inaccurately transcribe credit card numbers.

The front of your credit card has a lot of numbers -- here's an example of what they might mean. American Express - Digits three and four are type and currency, digits five through 11 are the account number, digits 12 through 14 are the card number within the account and digit 15 is a check digit. Visa - Digits two through six are the bank number, digits seven through 12 or seven through 15 are the account number and digit 13 or 16 is a check digit. MasterCard - Digits two and three, two through four, two through five or two through six are the bank number depending on whether digit two is a 1, 2, 3 or other.

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Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Licenses and Disclosures. Advertiser Disclosure. By Jason Steele. Credit Card Numbers Versus Account Numbers Interestingly, the number on your credit card isn't actually your account number, though the two are linked.

What About Those Other Numbers? How to Protect Your Credit Card Numbers Now that you know what all of these numbers mean, you need to know how best to protect them. Don't Apply Blindly Apply for credit cards confidently with personalized offers based on your credit profile. Although it may seem random, credit card digits are each strategically placed and represent a vital piece of information.

Accurate transactions would not be possible without the specific sequence of numbers, the precise shape and exact size, all of which adhere to strict standards dictated by the ISO International Organization of Standardization and enforced by the ANSI American Network of Standards Institute. These standards allow cards to be used worldwide. The only difference among them is Visa, Mastercard and Discover are always 16 digits while American Express employs a digit format.

These digits clearly identify the financial institution issuing the card. Each major credit card network has its own MII:. The next 5-digits of the IIN represent the specific issuing bank. These digits facilitate the exchange of information for the clearing of a transaction. The IIN for each of the four major networks:. Following the first 6 IIN figures is the account number. This sequence can reach up to digits but is normally 6. Issuing banks assign this number to their individual customers.

Each issuing bank has about a trillion potential account numbers. Credit card issuers and networks use mathematical tools to combat data breaches and other fraudulent activity. The Luhn Algorithm or Modulus 10 is one such device. Developed in the s, it uses identification digits such as social security and credit card numbers to determine validity. Credit cards are meant to be used instantly for payments. With it, card numbers can be easily verified and their validity confirmed.

The Luhn algorithm is simple to use. When adding the check number to the rest of the numbers on the card, the sum should equal 0. Visa uses digit 13 as the checksum in most cases, while all other major networks use the last digit.

It represents another validation process and thus adds a level of protection. Its purpose is the same regardless of its name. An expiration date is assigned to the card by the issuing bank and can also help with security by requiring yet another verification step. A card number may have been stolen, but without the expiration date, that number becomes nearly worthless.

The data transmitted is static. In other words, the information is loaded into the stripe and remains unchanged. Although cards still contain a magstripe most of them now also use EMV or chip card technology. This microprocessor is placed on the front of the card where it also transmits data to the POS. Unlike the static magnetic stripe, the EMV uses a dynamic means of transmission. How does it all work?

Each time you use the card, the transaction generates a different one-time code. This process makes the EMV technology much safer from card fraud such as skimming and counterfeiting. Many people believe the number on the credit card is the same as their account number. This is false. But the two are linked and your account number will usually be on your credit card statement. Customer service phone numbers are not needed in making purchases and have no role in keeping your card safe from fraud per se.