Credit Card Numbers
We all know there is a long string of numbers on our credit card, but do you know what they stand for? They really do represent something and now you will know what it is. The first number tells the type of card: 3 = travel or entertainment card, 4 = Visa, 5 = MasterCard and 6 = Discover. American Express and Diners Club use the first two numbers as in: 34, 36, 37 or 38.
The next group makes up the routing number of the issuing bank, then there will be the user’s account number with the final group being the check digit. The check digit is a number that is the outcome of other numbers and a special formula. This is for anti-fraud protection and so the formula is secret.
Visa cards do not all carry the same amount of numbers and the groups many vary. Other credit cards like gas cards or department stores all have their own reasons for groups and amounts. All this doesn’t really help you in any way but some things can be fun to know, whether or not you even remember all the number definitions.
