What is a BIN number? What the first digits of a card mean
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
A BIN, or bank identification number, is the first six to eight digits of a payment card number. It identifies the card issuer and the type of card. It's also called an IIN, or issuer identification number.
What the digits tell you
The very first digit hints at the card network: cards starting with 4 are Visa, and most Mastercards start with 5 or 2. The full BIN points to the issuer and can show whether it's a debit, credit or prepaid card, and which country it was issued in.
How businesses use BINs
- Showing the right card logo as the customer types.
- Spotting risky payments, such as a card country that doesn't match the order.
- Routing payments or applying different fees by card type.
BINs and card programmes
Every branded card programme needs a BIN range. Fintechs that don't hold their own usually get one through a BIN sponsor, a licensed issuer that lets them issue cards on its range.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay card issuing platforms let you issue your own branded Visa cards, powered by licensed partners. SendPay tells you in writing which licences apply to your platform before you pay.
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.