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"Luhn Algorithm"

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Illustration showing how the Luhn algorithm calculates and validates a credit card check digit

Credit Card

How is a credit card number generated? (Luhn Algorithm)

The Luhn algorithm was developed by Hans Peter Luhn and IBM in 1954. It is also known as the Luhn Check or Mod Check. It is used in two ways: preparing a given number according to the Luhn algorithm, and validating a given number using the Luhn algorithm.

Diagram of ISO 8583 Field 2 (F2) card number structure

ISO 8583

ISO 8583 Field Descriptions (F2)

F2 is the Card Number field in ISO 8583, identifying the cardholder and issuing bank. This post covers its structure, the 8-digit BIN update, field format, first-digit scheme identification, and PCI DSS security requirements.

Diagram illustrating the structure of an Issuer Identification Number (IIN) on a payment card

Credit Card

What is an Issuer Identification Number (IIN)?

Issuer Identification Number (IIN) is the first 6 digits of 16-digit cards and the first 8 digits of 19-digit cards. It is more commonly known as BIN (Bank Identification Number). Learn what the IIN table holds and how to look one up.

Close-up of a payment card showing its first six digits, the BIN

Credit Card

What Is a BIN (Bank Identification Number)?

BIN stands for Bank Identification Number, the unique code made up of a card's first 6 digits that identifies which bank issued it, under the ISO/IEC 7812 standard.

Major Industry Identifier digit chart for credit card numbers

Credit Card

What is Major Industry Identifier (MII)?

Major Industry Identifier (MII) is the first digit of a credit card number, representing the category of the institution that issued the card. The MII values and their corresponding categories are listed below.

Diagram of ISO/IEC card standards defining credit card dimensions and layout

Credit Card

Standards that define credit card design and operation

When payment systems come to mind, credit cards are usually the first thing people think of. Credit cards are produced according to specific standards, both in visual design and during printing. These standards belong to the ISO/IEC 781X family.