This post will be your ultimate guide to decoding credit card numbers and the meaning of each digit. Here you will find out what credit card starts with 6011 and many others.
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
In the United States alone, consumers are making, on average, 104,274 credit card transactions per minute. That’s a lot of transactions to keep track of! Fortunately, there is already a well-managed system in place and it all starts with the 16-digit number on the front of your card.
If you’ve ever wondered about the significance of these digits, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various components that make up the credit card number, from bank identification numbers to the Luhn algorithm. This post will shed light on how our transactions get communicated from one bank to another.
Bank Identification Number (BIN) and Issuer Identification Number (IIN)
Every credit card starts with a set of digits known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN) or Issuer Identification Number (IIN). Traditionally, the IIN was made up of the first 6 digits; however, many of the newly issued IINs consist of the first eight digits to accommodate the growing number of credit cardholders.
The IIN indicates which financial institution issued the credit or debit card and which network, like Visa or Mastercard, it belongs to.
Quick Reference Guide | Starting Digits of Popular Credit Cards:
If you do not see your unique string of numbers below, you can visit this credit card validator to check the issuer of a card.
What credit card starts with 6011?
Discover Card
What credit card starts with 4500?
MasterCard
What credit card starts with 4266?
Visa
What credit card starts with 5524?
MasterCard
What credit card starts with 4046?
Visa
What credit card starts with 5213?
MasterCard
What credit card starts with 4147?
Visa
How to Read Your Credit Card Number in 4 Easy Steps
As you examine your credit cards more closely, you’ll observe that cards associated with major networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover have card numbers that are 16 digits long. In contrast, American Express credit card numbers tend to have 15 digits. Surprisingly, some credit card numbers extend up to 19 digits!
Read through the below steps to understand the process of decoding any credit card.
Step 1: Identify 1st digit
The first digit indicates both the payment network and the major industry identifier.
Here is a breakdown:
- If you see a 1 or 2 as your first number, that indicates the airline industry
- 2 through 6 indicate financial or banking
- 7 corresponds to the gas industry
- 8 is associated with healthcare and telecommunications
- 9 is for government and other entities.
Major payment networks start with the following specific digits:
- Mastercard: 2 or 5
- American Express: 3
- Visa: 4
- Discover: 6
Not all merchants accept payments from every payment processor, highlighting the importance of having credit cards from multiple networks. I’ve found my Visa credit card type to be consistently reliable, and widely accepted by most merchants. In contrast, my MasterCard was rejected at Costco, and my American Express was turned down at smaller ice cream shops.
Transaction fees are usually the main reason for retailers and merchants to be selective about which credit card processors they will accept. According to reports, American Express tends to have transaction fees that are 1% higher compared to other major credit card issuers which would make them a less attractive choice for small businesses.
2. Next 5 to 7 digits
Combining the initial digit with the following five to seven digits creates what’s called the Bank Identification Number (BIN) or Issuer Identification Number (IIN). These details uniquely identify each card issuer, providing information about the issuing bank such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or others.
3. Remaining Digits
The remaining digits identify the account holder and all cardholders associated with the account, including authorized users and employee cards. Your full account number remains undisclosed within your credit card number. In case of loss or theft, your credit card issuer will issue a new card with a different credit card number. Your account number will remain unchanged which is convenient.
4. The Last Digit of the Card Number:
Finally, the final digit on your credit card, the checksum digit, is used during transaction processing. It is part of a formula to verify the validity of the credit card number.
How to Read Your Debit Card Numbers
The structure of debit card numbers is very similar to those of major credit cards. However, it’s important to note that while debit cards share similarities with credit cards in terms of their numbering structure, they are distinct in their functionality.
The difference?
Debit cards link directly to your bank account, and transactions made with them result in immediate withdrawals.
The Luhn Algorithm
The Luhn algorithm also referred to as the modulus 10 algorithm, acts as a safeguard against accidental errors when entering credit card numbers. It uses a mathematical formula to check the validity of the card number, including the check digit.
This algorithm plays a vital role in minimizing errors in transactions and enhancing overall payment security to avoid credit card fraud.
The Role of CVV Codes and Additional Digits
The CVV code which stands for Card Verification Value is often located on the back of the card and acts as an additional layer to enhance security. Along with the expiration date, it makes the credit card number combination truly unique.
Credit Card Fraud
Protecting your full credit card number is crucial in preventing credit card fraud. Make sure you stay cautious about where and how you share your card details. Be wary of phishing, do not respond to suspicious emails or enter your information on unfamiliar websites.
Keep your physical card secure and routinely review your monthly statement for any unusual transactions. Additionally, when making online purchases, ensure platforms utilize a secure checkout process.
Lastly, consider activating alerts for immediate notification of any suspicious activity or transaction amount. Staying vigilant and following these simple steps is the only way to protect yourself from credit card fraud and maintain the safety of your financial information.
Final Thoughts on How to Check What Credit Card Starts with 6011?
To sum it all up, understanding what credit card starts with 6011 is as simple as following two steps, but following all 4 steps can have you decoding the 16-digit numbers of all your credit cards in seconds.
I hope this post not only helped you understand the concepts of BIN and INN but also enhanced your knowledge of good financial security practices.
As always, I am so happy you’re here and would love to hear from you in the comments below!
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