
The Issuer Identification Number (IIN) is a crucial part of the credit card industry. It's a 6-digit number that identifies the issuer of a credit card.
The IIN structure is standardized, but it's not just a random sequence of numbers. It's actually a combination of a Major Industry Identifier (MII) and an Issuer Identification Number (IIN).
The MII identifies the industry or business type, which can range from 0 to 9. For example, an MII of 4 is used for banks and financial institutions.
Each IIN is unique to the issuer and is used to identify them across the globe.
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What Is (IIN)
The Issuer Identification Number (IIN) is a six-digit code on your card that helps identify the issuing institution.
The IIN is also known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN). It's a crucial piece of information that helps route transactions to the right entity.
The first digit of the IIN is the Major Industry Identifier (MII), which indicates the card's category, such as banking or travel. This is a key piece of information that helps identify the type of card.
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Here are the major card schemes and their corresponding IIN ranges:
The next five digits of the IIN identify the specific issuing bank or institution. This ensures that transactions are routed to the right entity, making the payment process more secure and efficient.
IIN Structure and Ranges
The IIN structure is quite straightforward. The first two to six digits of the card number identify the issuer of the card. This is the primary industry identifier and the issuing institution.
The IIN plays a vital role in the payment system. It's the first point of reference for the payment system, and once you swipe or tap your card, the system checks the IIN to identify the card issuer.
The IIN is used to route the transaction to the right financial institution. For example, if you swipe your IndusInd Bank debit card, the payment system will read the IIN to identify IndusInd Bank.
Here's a breakdown of the IIN structure and ranges:
- The IIN is usually 2-6 digits long.
- The first two digits identify the primary industry identifier and the issuing institution.
- The following digits specify the issuing institution.
BINs (or IINs) can be used interchangeably. The term "issuer identification number" (IIN) is becoming more commonly used, especially since non-bank financial technology companies have emerged as card issuers.
Industry Assignments and Bin Usage
BINs can be used by merchants to analyze card transactions properly and detect originating banks. Merchants can also use BINs to verify the address provided by the customer and prevent fraud.
A BIN range is assigned to a specific bank, such as 622106, which is assigned to Parsian Bank in Iran. This allows merchants to identify the issuing bank and verify the account's legitimacy.
BINs are critical in detecting and preventing fraud, as they help accurately pinpoint identity theft and other security breaches. This is done by comparing and verifying information tied to the issuing institution and the cardholder.
The numerical system of BINs helps to pinpoint identity theft and other security breaches by comparing and verifying information. This is a crucial function of BINs, as it helps to prevent financial losses due to fraudulent activity.
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Here's a breakdown of how BINs are used:
- Enable merchants to analyze card transactions properly
- Detect originating banks
- Verify the address provided by the customer
- Prevent fraud
In addition to these functions, BINs are used to identify the card issuer and verify the account's legitimacy when a customer purchases something. The issuing institution receives an authorization request, which helps to verify the account's legitimacy and whether the funds are genuinely available to make the purchase.
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Understanding Bin Numbers
BIN numbers are a crucial part of the payment processing system, and understanding them can help you navigate the world of online transactions.
BIN numbers identify the issuing bank or financial institution, and they are the first thing the payment system checks to ensure a transaction is processed correctly.
The first four to six digits of a credit card number are the BIN, which is used to identify the card issuer, the industry of the issuer, the payment network, and the type of card being processed.
BINs can help detect fraud cases, such as identity theft or stolen cards, by identifying the location of the card issuer and the exact type of card being used.
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A BIN number is embossed on the front of the card and also appears in print below, and it's used to identify the bank that issued the card.
The BIN is unique to each card issuer, and multiple issuers can share the same Major Industry Identifier (MII), which is a one-digit number that identifies the industry in which the card issuer operates.
Here are some examples of BIN formats used by common card brands in the US:
The BIN code also helps identify the card brand, and it's used to speed up processing and enable merchants to accept multiple forms of payment.
BINs are critical to the entire credit card processing system, and they allow merchants to analyze card transactions properly and detect originating banks and whether these banks are in the same country as the device that enables the transaction to be completed.
Importance and Benefits of IIN
The IIN number is a crucial part of the payment process, and its importance cannot be overstated. It immediately identifies the card issuer, ensuring the correct processing of transactions.
The IIN follows a global standard, making it recognized on an international level, which makes cross-border transactions seamless. This paired with the no minimum balance requirement of zero-balance savings accounts can be an amazing financial setup for you.
The IIN verifies transaction details with the issuing institution to detect unauthorized transactions. This is especially helpful in preventing identity theft or stolen cards.
Here are some key benefits of IINs in a nutshell:
- The IIN ensures the correct processing of transactions.
- The IIN verifies transaction details with the issuing institution.
- The IIN helps detect unauthorized transactions.
- The IIN facilitates cross-border transactions.
Overall, the IIN number plays a vital role in ensuring the security and efficiency of transactions.
Preventing Fraud and Scams
BINs play an important role in preventing and deterring fraud. These numbers can be combined with anti-fraud tools like address verification services to confirm that the address provided by the buyer matches the one on file with the bank.
Fraudsters favor BIN scams because they're difficult to trace, but cheap and easy to carry out. BIN attacks are becoming more common, making it essential for merchants to implement proper fraud prevention tools.
A scammer who successfully guesses a valid combination of card details will have effectively stolen the associated cardholder’s identity. The fraudster can then use the victim’s card information to make unauthorized purchases.
Fraud prevention tools like 3-D secure authentication and address verification systems (AVS) can make card-not-present (CNP) transactions less vulnerable to BIN attacks. These tools require multiple factors of authentication, making it harder for scammers to steal card information.
Issuers can use BINs to identify red flags, historical fraud patterns, and outlier activities. This helps curb unauthorized activity and prevent fraud.
BINs can be used to detect originating banks and verify the address provided by the customer. This helps detect and prevent fraud by comparing and verifying information tied to the issuing institution and the cardholder.
Verification and Authorization
Verification and Authorization is a crucial step in the payment process. BINs are used to verify that the card is valid and belongs to the customer attempting to make the purchase.
Having the right BIN enables payment processors to route the transaction to the correct financial institution for authorization. This ensures that the funds are securely transferred to the correct place.
BINs also help verify that the account tied to the card has sufficient funds or credit available. This helps prevent unauthorized transactions and ensures a smooth payment process.
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Verifying Authorization
Verifying Authorization is a crucial step in the verification and authorization process.
BINs, or Bank Identification Numbers, are used to verify that a card is valid.
They help confirm that the card belongs to the customer making the purchase.
This ensures that the account tied to the card has sufficient funds or credit available.
This helps prevent unauthorized transactions and protects the customer's account.
In many cases, BINs are checked during the initial stages of a transaction.
This helps to weed out invalid or stolen cards before the transaction is processed.
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As a result, the customer's account is protected from potential losses.
This also helps to prevent identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.
By verifying authorization, businesses can ensure that their customers are genuine and have the necessary funds for the transaction.
This helps to build trust and credibility with customers, and can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.
Match Payments
Matching payments to the correct issuer is crucial for secure transactions. Having the right BIN is essential for this process.
The BIN, or Bank Identification Number, is used by payment processors to route transactions to the right financial institution. This ensures that the funds are securely transferred to the correct place.
A correct BIN match enables payment processors to verify the transaction and authorize the payment. This reduces the risk of payment errors and disputes.
Inaccurate or missing BIN information can lead to delayed or declined transactions. This can be frustrating for both the merchant and the customer.
Correct BIN matching is a critical step in the verification and authorization process. It helps ensure that payments are processed efficiently and securely.
Changes and Updates
The term "BIN" is likely to give way to "IIN" as new industries enter the financial sector. Industry insiders think long-term and are preparing for this change.
In 2016, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) announced changes to the BIN/IIN, including expanding it from six digits to the first 8. This change is not yet mandatory, but issuers may adopt an 8-digit BIN standard if they choose.
The Visa BIN Attribute Sharing Service, or VBASS, is an optional service that provides merchants with enhanced Visa BIN data. This service can help merchants improve authorization rates, reduce fraud, and improve their overall checkout experience.
Table of Contents
A Bank Identification Number (BIN) is crucial for detecting fraud, tracing transactions back to the card issuer, and verifying details like card type and origin. BINs are the first 4-6 digits of a payment card.
Merchants use BINs to process payments efficiently, authorize transactions, and comply with regulatory standards. This is essential for fraud prevention, helping to verify cardholder data and spot inconsistencies.
Here are some key facts about BINs:
- A BIN is the first 4-6 digits of a payment card.
- BINs are crucial for detecting fraud.
- Merchants use BINs to process payments efficiently.
- BINs are essential for fraud prevention.
Cardholders should be cautious of BIN scamming, a tactic fraudsters use to steal credit card information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my IIN number?
Your IIN number is the first six digits on the front of your payment card, visible above the card number. Check your debit or credit card to find your unique IIN number.
What is the issuer ID of an ATM?
The issuer ID of an ATM card is the first 6-8 digits of the card number, identifying the bank that issued the card. This unique identifier helps verify the card's authenticity and origin.
Sources
- https://stevemorse.org/ssn/List_of_Bank_Identification_Numbers.html
- https://www.ansi.org/about/roles/registration-program/iin
- https://www.indusind.com/iblogs/savings-account/what-is-issuer-identification-number-iin/
- https://www.paystand.com/blog/bank-identification-number
- https://chargebacks911.com/bank-identification-numbers/
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