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What is a credit card account number?

cred - it card ac - count num - ber
noun

A credit card account number is a unique series of digits that functions as the exclusive identifier for an individual's or entity's specific credit card account. 
 

How does a credit card account number work?

 
The first six to eight digits of this number are known as the bank identification number, which helps identify the bank that issued the card. The last digit, often referred to as a check-digit, is used to detect errors in the number. Additionally, the type of account assigned by the issuing bank—such as classic, debit, signature, trade, commercial or prepaid—affects the cost of processing a transaction for the merchant.