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Sept. 05, 2022
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4 min read
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As you look for strategies to increase the number of your credit card rewards points, have you ever wondered about the numbers that form the foundation for all that earning potential? Each of those figures plays a role in each purchase you make. They help merchants know that your card is real, and they help banks process those transactions in a matter of seconds.
So what do all these numbers actually mean? Today, we're going to break down the parts of a credit card number.
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The numbers
Let’s start with the first digit. This is called the Major Industry Identifier (MII) and helps identify the card's network:
- 3 — American Express
- 4 — Visa
- 5 — Mastercard
- 6 — Discover
The next four or five digits on the card indicate the bank that issued the card. Together with the MII, these make up the first five or six digits of your credit card number and are known as the BIN (Bank Identification Number) or the IIN (Issuer Identification Number).
The remaining digits are unique to you: they make up your actual individual account number.
The final digit of your credit card number, though, is actually not part of the account. It’s known as a check digit, which is used to verify that your card is real. When your credit card is processed, a system known as the Luhn algorithm uses this last digit to ensure that your card number is a real one.
So if, for example, your card number were 5432 1234 5678 9101, your number breakdown would be:
- The first digit (5) indicates that your card is part of the Mastercard network.
- The next five numbers (43212) indicate the bank that issued your card; together, those first six numbers (543212) make up the BIN.
- The remaining numbers (3456789101) are your individual account number.
The divide
With some clear methods behind the credit card number madness, you might also wonder if there is a reason your credit card number is generally divided into groups of four numbers.
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The answer? Simplicity. The number is divided this way to make it easier to read your number aloud over the phone, according to Mark Nelson, a senior vice president at Visa.
Expiration date and CVV
Both the expiration date and the CVV, or security code, serve as additional security features on your card. When you place an order over the phone or online, you will almost certainly be asked to give these numbers, which help ensure that you are actually holding the card in your hand at the time of your purchase.
The CVV (card verification value) is a number three or four digits long. On a Visa or Mastercard, the CVV is usually on the back of the card. An American Express card, however, has its four-digit CVV on the front of the card.
Note that an American Express card may also have a three-digit code on the back. This is known as a CID (card identification data) number and is an added security measure. Since it is not the CVV, though, your card will be declined if you try to use it instead of the actual CVV on the front of the card.
Bottom line
While they might seem random at first glance, all the numbers on your credit card serve a specific purpose. You don't need to think about them in order to reap maximum benefits from your card, but it's nice to know the purpose behind those powerful little numbers.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson.
Featured image by
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. If anyone on our team wouldn’t recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldn’t recommend it on The Points Guy either. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners.
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.
Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees