Which Number Is the Credit Card Number?

Credit cards display multiple sets of digits, each serving a distinct purpose. This article clarifies what the credit card number is, where it can be found, and how it differs from other important details printed on the card.

Identifying Your Credit Card Number

The credit card number, also known as the Primary Account Number (PAN), is the main series of digits on your card. It typically appears on the front. This number is usually 13 to 19 digits long, with 15 or 16 digits being the most common lengths for major card networks like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. It acts as the primary identifier for your specific account with the card issuer, allowing merchants and card networks to process your transactions.

Understanding the Credit Card Number’s Structure

Credit card numbers follow a specific structure. The initial six to eight digits form the Issuer Identification Number (IIN), also known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN). This segment identifies the financial institution that issued the card and indicates the card’s network, such as Visa (starting with 4), Mastercard (starting with 2 or 5), American Express (starting with 3), or Discover (starting with 6).

The digits following the IIN, excluding the last one, form your unique account identifier assigned by the card issuer. This portion can range from six to nine digits. The final digit is a checksum, commonly validated using the Luhn algorithm. This algorithm performs a mathematical check to detect accidental errors during manual entry, helping to prevent invalid card numbers from being processed.

Distinguishing Other Card Details

Beyond the main credit card number, several other numerical and textual details appear on your card, each with a unique function. The expiration date, usually displayed in a month/year format (e.g., 08/25), indicates when the card becomes invalid for use.

Another important security feature is the security code, often labeled as CVV (Card Verification Value), CVC (Card Validation Code), or CID (Card Identification Number). For Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards, this is typically a three-digit number located on the back of the card, usually in the signature strip. American Express cards feature a four-digit security code, which is found on the front of the card, often above the main card number. This code is specifically requested for “card-not-present” transactions, such as online purchases or phone orders, to verify that the person making the purchase physically possesses the card.

The cardholder’s name is also printed on the card, serving as a straightforward identification of the authorized user. It is important to note that a debit card also features a 16-digit number, which functions similarly to a credit card number for transactions. However, this debit card number is distinct from your underlying bank account number, which is typically found on bank statements or paper checks and is used for direct deposits and transfers. The debit card number identifies the physical card, while the bank account number identifies the actual bank account itself.