ave you ever wondered what through five, or two through six
all of those numbers on the are the bank number (This depends
front of your credit card on if digit two is a one,two, or
actually stand for? Here is the three.) The numbers after the
actual breakdown... bank number up through fifteen
are the account number, and the
The first digit signifies the final number is a check number.
system that the card runs on:
3 - Travel/entertainment card American Express: Numbers three
(ie: American Express/Diners and four are type and currency.
club) Numbers five through eleven are
4 - Visa the account number. Numbers
5 - Mastercard twelve through fourteen are the
6 - Discover Card card number within the account
and the last number is a check
The actual card number also number.
varies by the system. (For
example, American Express cards Hopefully this will give you a
start with 37, Diners club cards better understanding of what you
start with 38) are looking at the next time you
pull out the plastic! So what
Visa: Numbers two through 6 are about the back?
the bank number. Numbers seven
through twelve or fifteen is the The back of the card has what is
account number. Finally digit 13 called a magnetic stripe.
or 16 (the final number) is a (Commonly called a magstripe.)
check digit. It is made up iron magnetic
particles in a plastic film. If
Mastercard: Numbers two and a credit card terminal ever
three, two through four, two refuses to take your card it is
most likely because this stripe stripe has all information
is dirty or scratched. The associated with your account.
stripe can also be erased by This is why a merchant pays less
exposure to a magnet. (This can for a card swipe when compared to
even happen with a basic a key entry.
refrigerator magent.) This
About the Author:
Jerry Kadish and Capital Bankcard specialize in setting up gift and loyalty card programs and merchant services. We provide fully customized programs for all of our clients and help them use our products to promote their business.
To find out more check us out at: http://www.capital-bankcard.com
Read more articles by:
Gerald Kadish
Article Source: www.iSnare.com 
