What Credit and Debit Cards Start With 6?
Decode credit and debit card numbers. Understand how the initial digit identifies card networks and types, and its broader importance in the payment ecosystem.
Credit and debit cards are tools for transactions. Card numbers contain encoded information, with initial digits holding significance. These initial digits, known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN) or Issuer Identification Number (IIN), reveal details about the card’s origin and network. This system allows for efficient processing and identification. Understanding which major card networks use ‘6’ as their starting digit provides insight into payment methods.
The Anatomy of a Card Number
Credit and debit card numbers are not arbitrary sequences; they adhere to a standardized structure designed for identification and security. These numbers typically range from 13 to 19 digits in length, with 16-digit numbers being the most common for major networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. This uniform structure is globally recognized and governed by international standards, notably ISO/IEC 7812.
The card number is composed of three primary segments. The initial digits form the Issuer Identification Number (IIN), also known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN). This segment, typically the first six digits, identifies the financial institution that issued the card and the card network it belongs to. The very first digit of the IIN, known as the Major Industry Identifier (MII), categorizes the card by the industry or network. For instance, cards starting with ‘4’ are associated with Visa, ‘5’ with Mastercard, and ‘3’ with American Express.
Following the IIN, the subsequent digits constitute the individual account number, uniquely identifying the cardholder’s specific account with the issuing bank. This portion can vary in length depending on the overall card number size and issuer’s allocation. The final digit of the entire card number is a check digit, which serves as a validation tool. This digit is calculated using an algorithm called the Luhn algorithm, helping to detect basic errors like typos during data entry and providing a preliminary check for the card’s validity.
Major Card Networks Beginning with 6
Several prominent card networks utilize ‘6’ as a starting digit for their credit and debit cards. Discover cards begin with the digit ‘6’, making it a primary identifier for their network. Specific ranges within the Discover network include 6011, 644-649, and 65.
Maestro, a debit card brand, frequently features card numbers that start with ‘6’. While Maestro cards also use other starting digits like 50, 56, 57, and 58, a significant portion of their numbers fall within the 6-series, such as 6013, 62, 63, and 67. Maestro operates as a subsidiary of Mastercard, which typically uses ‘5’ (and more recently ‘2’) as its primary starting digits. However, some specific Mastercard ranges, particularly those associated with Maestro or certain regional products, can begin with ‘6’.
Beyond these widely recognized networks, other global payment systems also have card ranges starting with ‘6’. China UnionPay, a major card network especially prevalent in Asia, issues cards that commonly begin with ’60’ or ’62’. Similarly, RuPay, an Indian card scheme, often features card numbers starting with ‘6’. This includes RuPay cards co-badged with Discover for international transactions, as well as some domestic RuPay variants that can also begin with ‘5’ or ‘8’.
Significance of the First Digit
The first digit of a credit or debit card number is important in payment processing. Its role as the Major Industry Identifier (MII) enables payment systems to identify the card network and route transactions to the appropriate financial institution for authorization. This identification ensures transactions proceed efficiently from the merchant to the card issuer.
Merchants rely on this initial digit to determine if they accept a particular card network. For example, a business might display logos for Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, indicating their acceptance of cards starting with ‘4’, ‘5’, and ‘6’ respectively. This helps manage customer expectations and streamlines the checkout process, whether in-store or online.
The first digit, part of the Bank Identification Number (BIN), aids security and fraud prevention. Fraud detection systems analyze BIN data to identify suspicious transaction patterns, such as purchases made with a card issued in a country different from the transaction location. This information also assists in validating card types during online transactions; if a customer selects “Discover” but enters a card number beginning with ‘4’, the system can flag it as a potential error or fraudulent attempt. BIN data allows merchants to implement specific rules, such as blocking certain card types or requiring additional verification for cards from high-risk issuers, enhancing transaction security.