What Credit Card Starts With the Number 6?
Understand credit card number structures. Discover which major card networks begin with '6' and how to identify various card types.
Credit card numbers are not simply random sequences of digits. They are structured identifiers that contain specific encoded information about the card. The initial digits of these numbers hold particular significance, revealing details about the card’s origin and the network it operates on. Understanding this structure helps to demystify how these numbers function in financial transactions.
The Significance of the First Digit
The very first digit of a credit card number is known as the Major Industry Identifier (MII). This single digit indicates the broad industry category that issued the card. For instance, different MIIs can signify industries like airlines, travel and entertainment, or banking and financial services.
For payment cards, the MII identifies the primary card network. Combined with the subsequent five to seven digits, it forms the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) or Bank Identification Number (BIN). This IIN/BIN uniquely identifies the financial institution that issued the card to the cardholder.
Credit Cards Starting with 6
Credit cards that begin with the digit ‘6’ are most commonly associated with the Discover network in the United States. Discover cards often have IINs that start with 6011, or ranges such as 622126-622925, 644-649, and 65. These cards are widely accepted across the U.S.
Discover cards frequently offer cashback rewards programs, allowing cardholders to earn a percentage back on purchases, sometimes with higher rates on rotating bonus categories. Many Discover cards provide a cashback match for new cardmembers. Other common benefits include introductory 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) periods on purchases and balance transfers, no annual fees, and no foreign transaction fees.
Beyond Discover, some other card types also start with ‘6’. RuPay cards, primarily issued in India, begin with ‘6’, such as 60 or 6521. For international transactions, RuPay cards often leverage the Discover network. Certain Maestro debit cards can also have numbers starting with ‘6’.
Identifying Other Major Card Types
While cards starting with ‘6’ typically belong to the Discover network, other major credit card networks are identified by different starting digits. Visa cards consistently begin with the digit ‘4’.
MasterCard numbers primarily start with ‘5’, though some can also begin with ‘2’. American Express cards are identifiable by numbers beginning with ‘3’, specifically 34 or 37. Another international network, JCB (Japan Credit Bureau), uses ’35’ as its starting digits.