Payment Cards

Every payment card (whether debit card, credit card, gift card, or similar card) has a unique number associated with it. This number is typically printed on the card and used to uniquely identify the card, and referenced in every transaction. The entire card number is called the Primary Account Number (PAN), and its first six or eight digits are also known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN). Additionally, cards may contain a Card Security Code, which along with the card number can be used for off-site transactions (transactions where the card is not present).

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