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Tips, guides and updates on BIN codes and payment cards
A virtual credit card is a temporary, randomly generated card number linked to your real bank account or credit card — but without a physical card. You get a card number, CVV, and expiry date that you can use for online payments, while your actual card details stay hidden.
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What is a BIN Code? A Bank Identification Number (BIN) is the first four to eight digits of a credit or debit card number, used to instantly identify the issuing institution, card brand, card type (debit/credit), and country of origin
Read more →What Is a Bank Identification Number (BIN)?
A Bank Identification Number (BIN) is the first 6–8 digits of a payment card number. It uniquely identifies the issuing institution, card network, card type, and the country of issue. Every time you swipe, tap, or enter your card online, the BIN is the first thing a payment processor reads to route your transaction correctly.
The Structure of a BIN
The first digit is the Major Industry Identifier (MII). 4 indicates Visa, 5 indicates Mastercard. The remaining digits narrow down the issuing bank and card product, maintained under the ISO 7812 standard.
How BINs Are Used
Payment processors use BINs to authorise transactions, detect fraud, and route payments. Merchants use BIN data for targeted promotions, currency conversion, and flagging high-risk transactions by geography.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first 6 digits of your card number.
No, BINs are unique to each issuer.
It may if the bank reissues under a different product line.
No, they apply to debit, prepaid, and gift cards too.
