How to read your bank card
Both debit and credit cards come with a range of numbers, codes and dates on either the front or back of the card.
Although you may not pay much notice to them day to day, it’s frustrating when you’re asked for them and don’t know what they are.
That’s why we’ve put together a go-to guide on how to read a bank card, what the numbers represent and what you may need them for.
The all-important numbers
It’s important to know what they all mean - for account queries, bank transfers and balance management.
Here’s a list of the different card numbers and all the need-to-know info.
Bank identification number (BIN) & Issuer identification number (IIN)
On the front of the credit card, there’s usually a 16 to 19-digit number. This is often called the ‘long card number’.
The first six digits make up the Bank Identification Number (BIN), with the first number of those being the Issuer Identification Number (IIN).
Certain numbers are for different card issuers. For example, 5 is Mastercard and 4 is Visa, and the five remaining digits tell you which bank has issued the card.
Say the starting digits of your 16-digit code are 417419, this means:
4 – it’s a Visa card
17419 – which bank the credit card is with
These numbers are crucial for routing transactions and checking the card is legit.
Bank account numbers
An account number is a unique set of eight numbers given to a customer’s account by a bank or lender (often a current or savings account). It’s used for various banking transactions like deposits, withdrawals and transferring money.
Sort codes
In the UK and Ireland, debit cards come with a sort code.
This is a six-digit number, usually split into three groups of two numbers, that identifies both the bank and branch where the account’s held. It’s mainly used for bank transfers and Direct Debits.
A sort code and an account number are only usually found on cards with a bank account. You wouldn’t normally see these on a credit card.
CVV numbers
CVV stands for Card Verification Value.
It's a three or four-digit security code on the back of most credit and debit cards - often near the signature strip. This provides an extra layer of security for online and over-the-phone transactions. Any reputable business will ask you to provide your CVV to complete a transaction, helping to guard against fraud.
Newer cards come with a CVV2, which is simply an updated version of the CVV. This provides additional security measures and even tighter security.
Issue numbers
This number shows the edition or version of the card.
Just so you know, if you lose your card and ask for a replacement, this card will have a different issue number to the original.
Roll numbers
The roll number is used as a unique identifier for customer accounts and can often be found on your bank statements or passbooks. Typically, a roll number is a 4-digit number followed by a 9-digit number.
Roll numbers are now a bit outdated now though and many banks rely on sort codes and account numbers to give them the details they need.
Expiry date
When a new card is issued, it’s only valid for a limited time for fraud prevention. The expiry date for credit and debit cards usually lasts between two and five years.
The expiry date is when it becomes invalid and is normally printed on the front of a card, below the long card number. Most banks and trustworthy credit card providers will automatically send you a new card before this date, so you should never have to go without.
Contactless
Almost all credit and debit cards are now contactless. This means you can simply tap them on a Chip & PIN terminal without having to insert the card and enter a PIN.
If your card is contactless, it will have a wave-like symbol (like the one for wi-fi). It’s often printed on the front of the card.
Keeping your details safe and secure
Being security aware and making sure your card details are hidden will help keep your money safe and protect you from fraud. Here are a few things you should do.Make sure your device is protected
Keep your computer and smartphone, or any other device used for online transactions, protected with up-to-date antivirus software and security patches. This’ll reduce the risk of malware or hacking attempts, which are particularly common on laptops and home desktops. If you’re buying stuff with your mobile, be careful when storing card details on devices that populate payment fields automatically. This can be a target for malicious applications.
Memorise your card number
Avoid writing down your card number. Memorising it reduces the risk of someone seeing your number if your belongings are lost or stolen. You could also keep any account details in a password-protected digital file or use a digital wallet. The latter uses your phone’s biometric security (fingerprint and face ID) for additional security.
Keep your physical card safe
Try to make sure it’s always in a purse, wallet or secure pocket in your bag. And be cautious when sharing your card details with others - especially those you don’t know or trust. Also, never leave it unattended in public places.
Be cautious with online transactions
It’s important to only make purchases from credible websites with secure payment gateways. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser address bar and make sure the website address starts with https://, not just http:// (the difference being the ‘s’ in the first one). These sites have extra security protocols, meaning they’re more trustworthy and protected than sites with outdated or no security.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately
If your card is lost or stolen, contact your card provider right away so they can cancel it and send a replacement. This can help stop unauthorised use of your card and can usually be done via the issuer’s mobile app, as well as over the phone. If you don’t report it straightaway, you could be liable for any losses or spending on the card.
FAQs
How do I read a credit card number?
Many credit cards, including Vanquis cards, come with a 16-digit number. But, some providers may use 15 or 19-digit numbers.
The credit card number is broken down into four parts, with each one representing different details.
The first six digits of the card number is known as the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) and the first digit is linked to a specific credit card provider.
For example, 5 is for Mastercard and 4 is Visa. The following five digits indicate the bank, like Vanquis, each with their own code. Alongside which provider issued the card, the first digit also matches the industry the card’s associated with.
|
1-2 |
Air travel and financial services |
|
2-6 |
Credit card networks |
|
7 |
Petroleum |
|
8 |
Healthcare and telecommunications |
|
9 |
Government and ‘other’ category |
The next six digits refer to the account number the bank uses to identify an account during transactions.
The last digit is known as a ‘checksum’ or ‘check digit’. Confusing? We’ll try and explain. This number is plugged into what is called the Luhn algorithm, a technical process used to make sure a credit card’s valid.
Can I change the expiry date on a credit card?
Once this date is set on a card, it can’t be changed.
But most reputable banks and credit card providers will send a new card before your current one expires. This’ll have a new expiry date and you won’t miss out on using your credit.
What should I do if I lose it?
If you think you’ve lost your credit card, call your provider as soon as possible. They can cancel it and stop any criminal or non-authorised transactions.
It’s important you do this as soon as you realise it’s been lost. If you don’t, you could be liable for any losses or spending on the card.