How to Tell Which Card Number Is What Credit Company?

Credit card numbers tell you which credit card company it belongs to.

All credit card companies have numbers specific to their card. If you own a small business or take credit card numbers over the phone, it is possible to understand what company the credit card is from just by listening to the numbers. Knowing what card is being used allows you to know what kind of a credit card surcharge you or your company is going to be charged (some credit card companies, such as American Express, charge far more than other cards).

Instructions

1. Look at the first number of the credit card. A "4" denotes a Visa card, "5" is for a Mastercard and "6" is a Discover card. A "3" is either an American Express or a Diner's Club card.

2. Count the numbers given in the credit card. All credit cards have 16 numbers, except for American Express, which has 15.

3. Look at the second number (if the first is 3). If the credit card begins with "34" or "37," it means the card is an American Express.

4. Check the CCV number. All credit cards have a three-digit number printed on the back of the card except for American Express. This is a four-digit number printed on the front of the card.

References

• Five Cent Nickel: What do credit card numbers mean?