A payment card number, also called the Primary Account Number (PAN), is the unique identifier for credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards. The PAN is a 16-digit number printed on the front of the card and stored in the card’s magnetic stripe. It is used to identify the card, the account associated with it, and the card issuer.
How the PAN Works
The PAN is an important part of the card’s magnetic stripe, which stores the card’s account information and is used to process transactions. The first few digits of the PAN identify the card issuer, while the remaining digits are used by the issuing entity to identify the cardholder as a customer and link the card to the customer’s designated bank accounts.
- Card Issuer Identification: The PAN’s prefix identifies the card issuer, such as Visa or Mastercard.
- Cardholder Identification: The rest of the PAN is used to identify the cardholder and link the card to their bank accounts.
- Stored-Value Cards: For reloadable stored-value cards, the PAN may also be associated with a specific customer.
Security and Fraud Prevention
The PAN is a critical security feature that helps protect against fraud and unauthorized use of the card. It ensures that transactions are processed securely and that the cardholder’s account information is protected.
- Transaction Processing: The PAN is used to verify the card and the account during transactions.
- Fraud Protection: The PAN helps prevent unauthorized use by ensuring that only the legitimate cardholder can access the account.
Standards and Compliance
Card numbers, including the PAN, are allocated in accordance with ISO/IEC standards. These standards ensure that the PAN is formatted correctly and that it can be used reliably for transactions.
