What is a Bank Identification Number (BIN / IIN)?
The first 6 to 8 digits of a payment card are known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN) or Issuer Identification Number (IIN). Governed by ISO/IEC 7812 standards, this prefix identifies the payment network (such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and the financial institution that generated the card.
With the explosion of modern fintech apps, digital banks, and virtual card generators (like Revolut, Wise, Privacy.com, and Monzo), checking a BIN allows developers, merchants, and users to confirm whether an entered card is a physical debit card, credit card, or a temporary disposable virtual card.
| Payment Network | Major Industry Identifier (MII) | Standard Card Length | Luhn Validated? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | Starts with 4 |
13, 16, or 19 digits | Yes (Mod-10) |
| Mastercard | Starts with 51–55 or 2221–2720 |
16 digits | Yes (Mod-10) |
| American Express | Starts with 34 or 37 |
15 digits | Yes (Mod-10) |
| Discover | Starts with 6011, 644–649, or 65 |
16 or 19 digits | Yes (Mod-10) |
| JCB | Starts with 3528–3589 |
16 to 19 digits | Yes (Mod-10) |
How the Luhn Algorithm (Mod 10) Works
Created by IBM scientist Hans Peter Luhn, the Luhn algorithm is a mathematical formula used worldwide to validate primary account numbers (PAN). It detects accidental input errors, single-digit typos, and transposed numbers before a transaction is submitted to a payment processor.
Step 2: If doubling results in a number greater than 9, subtract 9 (or add its digits).
Step 3: Sum all final digits together.
Step 4: If (Total Sum modulo 10) == 0, the card number is mathematically valid.
Why Check Virtual & Disposable Cards?
🛡️ Free Trial Abuse Prevention
SaaS platforms and subscription services check if incoming signups use one-time virtual cards that may default on renewal charges.
⚡ Checkout Typo Prevention
Validating the Luhn checksum instantly on the client side prevents wasted gateway calls and failed payment declines.
🌍 Geographic Routing
Determining the issuing country helps merchants route payments through local acquiring banks to minimize cross-border interchange fees.
🔒 Safe Sandbox Testing
Software developers can test checkout logic against sample BINs without charging live physical cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tool store or log entered credit card numbers?
No. This validator runs 100% locally in your web browser using client-side JavaScript. No card numbers, CVVs, or expiration dates are ever logged, sent to, or stored on our servers.
Can a card pass the Luhn test but still be declined?
Yes. The Luhn algorithm only confirms that a number satisfies the mathematical checksum rules. It does not check if the account has sufficient funds, if the card has expired, or if the issuing bank has blocked online purchases.
How can I tell if a card is virtual or physical?
Card networks classify virtual and disposable cards under specific BIN sub-ranges, typically designated as Prepaid Virtual Commercial. Our checker cross-references the BIN with known virtual banking institutions like Revolut, Lithic/Privacy.com, and Wise.