These first number of these six (6) digits might vary though depends firstly on the industry that issued the card. VISA: the first six digits usually begins with 4 e.g.MasterCard: the first six digits usually starts with 5 e.g 5378 67.Some common card issuers and the numbers that make up the IIN of their cards include: When you use your debit card at POS and ATM terminals, the first six digits tell the machine who company that powers your card. These first six digits are known as the Issuer Identification Number (IIN). The first six digits of the 16-digit debit card number basically reveal information about the company/institution that issued the card to you. Each number (and group of numbers) have what they represent. While the 16-digit number on your card seem like ordinary numbers, they actually mean more than that. This number is also known as your Card Identification number and it is also stored in your card’s magnetic chip/strip so that whenever you use your card at a POS or an ATM terminal, the card number is read by the machine. The 16-digit number (often grouped into four’s) found on the front of your debit card is known as the Card number. We highlight the numbers you’d commonly find on a debit card, what they mean, their importance and where you can find them. And with all of the digits, funds in your account can be accessed. With some of these digits, your account information can easily be accessed.

Depending on the card material, preference of financial institution, and some other factors, these digits could either be printed on a debit card or carved into it.īasically, the numbers you’d find on a debit card have two purposes: account identification and security. One thing both cards have in common, however, are the digits on them.

While majority of debit cards are made out of plastic, some are also made entirely of metal.

Working debit card numbers