Bank Identification Number (BIN)

What Is a Bank Identification Number (BIN)?

The term bank identification number (BIN) refers to the first four to six numbers on a payment card. This set of numbers identifies the financial institution that issues the card. As such, it matches transactions to the issuer of the card being used. BINs can be found on various payment cards, including credit cards, charge cards, and debit cards. The BIN system helps financial institutions identify fraudulent or stolen payment cards and can help prevent identity theft.

How Bank Identification Numbers (BINs) Work

The bank identification number is a numbering system developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to identify institutions that issue payment cards. The ANSI is a nonprofit organization (NPO) that creates business standards in the U.S. while the ISO is an international nongovernmental group that creates standards for various industries.

All payment cards come with a BIN number. This is a set of four to six numbers randomly assigned to debit cards, credit cards, charge cards, gift cards, electronic benefit cards, and other payment cards. The number is embossed on the front of the card and appears in print just below as well. The first digit specifies the major industry identifier. The digits that follow specify the issuing institution or bank. For example, Visa credit cards start with a four, which falls under the banking and financial category.

When a customer makes an online purchase, the customer enters their card details on the payment page. After submitting the first four to six digits of the card, the online retailer can detect which institution issued the customer’s card including:

When the customer initiates a transaction, the issuer receives the authorization request to verify if the card and account are valid and whether the purchase amount is available. This process results in the charge being either approved or denied. Without a BIN, the credit card processing system would be unable to determine the origin of the customer's funds and would be unable to complete the transaction.

The BIN number allows merchants to accept multiple forms of payment and allows faster processing of transactions.

Special Considerations: What BINs Are Used for

BINs have a variety of useful applications. The primary purpose is to allow merchants to evaluate and assess payment card transactions.

They also allow merchants to identify originating banks along with their address and phone number, and whether issuing banks are in the same country as the device used to make the transaction. It also verifies the address provided by the customer.

But more importantly, the numbering system helps identify identity theft or potential security breaches by comparing data, such as the address of both the issuing institution and of the cardholder.

Bank identification numbers are also commonly referred to as issuer identification numbers (IINs).

Example of a Bank Identification Number (BIN)

Here's a hypothetical example to show how BINs work. Let's say a customer uses their bank card at the gas pump when they fill up their tank. Once they swipe the card, the system scans the BIN to detect the specific institution that issued the card. An authorization request is then put on the customer's account. The request is authorized within a few seconds, and the transaction is approved if the funds are available or declined if the customer doesn't have enough funds to cover the charge.

What Is a Bank Identification Code?

A bank identification code, which is also known as a bank identifier code, is a special code made up of eight to 11 digits. It is an international standard that identifies a bank or non-financial institution whenever someone makes an international purchase or transaction. A BIC can be connected or non-connected. The former is part of the SWIFT network and are called SWIFT codes while the latter is generally used for reference only.

How Do You Use a Bank Identification Number?

Consumers generally don't use BINs but it is important to know what they mean. The first digit is the major industry identifier while the remaining digits specify the issuing financial institution.

When you make a purchase or transaction, the issuing institution receives a request for authorization. This request attempts to verify the legitimacy of the account and whether the funds are available. If everything checks out, the transaction is approved. If not, the institution declines it.

What Is BIN Scamming?

BIN scamming is a fraud scheme. It occurs when a fraudster calls impersonating someone from your bank, claiming that your account information has been compromised. The scammer may give you information to try to gain your trust. Once you're hooked, they try to confirm the number of your card and begin with asking where you bank. Once they have that information, they give you the bank identification number and ask that you confirm the remaining digits on the card along with any other information they can get from you.

Why Are BIN Numbers Important?

BINs allow merchants to accept multiple payments at the same time. They also make payment processing much faster.

BINs help banks and financial institutions identify cards that have been compromised or stolen because it provides information about the type of card being used, the type of bank, and other information about the issuing company and cardholder.

The Bottom Line

Bank identification numbers are used to identify which payment cards belong to which issuing financial institution. But aside from that, they help facilitate financial transactions and ensure that consumers are protected from identity theft and fraud. That's why it's so important to keep your financial information, including your BIN, confidential.

Remember, your bank will never call or send you an email to inform you that your account information has been compromised. If you ever receive a call, don't engage with the scammer. Instead, hang up and notify your bank. You can also file a complaint with the FTC on the agency's website.