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What is a bank identification number?

bank  i - dent - i - fi - ca - tion  num - ber
noun

The bank identification number (BIN) is the initial set of six (6) to eight (8) digits that appear on a payment card, such as a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. The BIN identifies the card network associated with the payment card, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. The first few digits of the BIN identify the card issuer or bank that issued the payment card. This helps in identifying the financial institution behind the card, allowing for routing and authorization during transactions.

How does a BIN work?

The first few digits of the BIN identify the card issuer or bank that issued the payment card and in many cases, the BIN provides information about the country or region where the card was issued. As a way of preventing fraud, BINs have traditionally been employed by online merchants to match the geographical area in which the cardholder is located with that indicated on the Bank Identification Number.

The terms Issuer Identification Number (IIN) and Interbank Card Association Number (ICA) also refer to this same collection of numbers. The card holder is identified with a personal identification number or PI.