What number does Mastercard start with? This is a common question among many cardholders and those interested in obtaining a Mastercard. Mastercard is one of the leading payment card brands in the world, offering a wide range of credit and debit cards to individuals and businesses. Understanding the starting number of a Mastercard can help you identify the card type and its associated features.
Mastercards typically start with the number “5”. This is because Mastercard belongs to the Mastercard Worldwide Network, which is a global payment network that includes a range of payment cards, including credit, debit, and charge cards. The “5” is a unique identifier for Mastercards, distinguishing them from other card brands such as Visa, which start with the number “4”.
The first six digits of a Mastercard are known as the Issuer Identification Number (IIN), also referred to as the Bank Identification Number (BIN). This number is used to identify the issuing bank or financial institution. For example, if a Mastercard starts with “510000”, it indicates that the card was issued by a specific bank within the Mastercard network.
It’s important to note that Mastercards can have different lengths, typically ranging from 16 to 19 digits. The length of the card number depends on the type of card and the country of issuance. For instance, most Mastercard credit cards have 16 digits, while some prepaid cards may have 19 digits.
The next digits in a Mastercard number are the Personal Account Number (PAN), which is unique to each cardholder. This number is used to identify individual accounts and transactions. The PAN is followed by a card verification value (CVV) or card verification code (CVC), which is a three or four-digit number on the back of the card. This code is used for additional security during online transactions.
In conclusion, Mastercards generally start with the number “5”, followed by the Issuer Identification Number (IIN), Personal Account Number (PAN), and card verification value (CVV) or card verification code (CVC). Knowing the starting number of a Mastercard can help you understand its features and ensure that you are using the correct card for your transactions.
