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What is a BIN Number and Why It’s Important
The Bank Identification Number (BIN) is the first six digits printed on the front of the card. With this code, you can quickly check the bank by card number. The numeric combination is printed on the physical card and also shown on a virtual card available only in a mobile app. This is the main identifier that performs several functions at once:
- Legitimacy verification — payment systems use this code to confirm transaction validity;
- Correct crediting of funds — the BIN number allows identification of the financial institution and calculation of commissions so that the correct transfer amount is credited in full;
- Recipient reliability check — understanding the information encoded in the number provides additional details and, in case of fraud, allows you to file a complaint with the respective bank.
How to know which bank issued the card? Each combination follows a specific principle, so decoding takes little time. There are also automatic services that make it easy to check the needed details.
What the First Six Digits of a Card Number Reveal
Most Ukrainian cards start with “4” or “5”, and less commonly “9”. This is the payment system identifier, and therefore the card type:
- 4 — Visa;
- 5 — MasterCard;
- 9 — Prostir.
How to determine the bank by card number? Use the starting digits. They contain information about the issuing financial institution — its name and country of registration.
How to Identify the Bank by Card Number
There are special online services that allow you to quickly check. Just enter the first 6 digits to find out which bank issued the card. Each bank has specific BINs assigned. The first digits of the card number identify the issuing bank. The number of BINs may vary: for example, Monobank uses 2–3, while larger institutions have more. The more credit and debit programs a bank offers, the more BINs it has. The step-by-step process is:
- Check the card number — focus on the first 6 digits.
- Note: the first digit indicates the payment system, and the combination forms the BIN code.
- Choose an online checking service — it will instantly show the bank by the number.
If entered correctly, you can identify the issuing country, payment system, and bank. If the sequence does not start with 4, 5, or 9, the card was likely issued abroad. For example, “3” belongs to American Express, which is not currently available in Ukraine.
Ways to Identify a Bank by Card Number
The easiest way is to use online services, which can be found in seconds through search engines. This allows you to quickly determine the bank without registration. Some tools also provide extra details such as card type and class. Other methods include:
- Official websites of Visa and MasterCard;
- Specialized mobile apps.
The process is straightforward — you can easily identify the bank by card number. The first six digits act as the issuer’s identifier, while the rest contain encrypted account holder data.
Why It’s Important to Know the Issuing Bank
There are many situations where you might need to identify a bank by card number. For example:
- Transaction errors — if a transfer fails, you need to contact the recipient’s bank;
- Security check — fraudsters often provide false account information, but knowing how to determine the issuing bank helps detect inconsistencies and avoid scams;
- Understanding service conditions — each bank sets its own fees and limits for transfers, so knowing the issuer ensures the recipient gets the full amount.
This knowledge is also useful for international transfers, especially for large sums, as it serves as an extra security check.
Understanding the functions and role of the six-digit BIN ensures transparency of financial operations. Knowing how to identify the bank by card number helps you avoid fraud and stay protected.
