What do 16 numbers on debit card represents? (2024)

Debit Card is also known as ATM Card and it is used for online shopping, online bill payments etc . Without going bank we can withdraw money from ATM machine with the help of debit card.

Let us understand with the help of an example: For a moment treat your Debit-cum-ATM card as SIM card. If there is no suffcient balance in the SIM card then it will not be possible to make a call. Likewise is with our debit or ATM card that is if there is no balance in bank account, we cannot withdraw any amount via debit card. Due to advancement of technology, we have a benefit that now we need not to visit banks to withdraw cash, now we can have cash in hand through ATM machines by using debit card. Therefore, we can say that the meaning of Debit Card is Online Banking Transaction by which you can make any kind of Online Payment.

Nowadays, every bank account holder has a debit (ATM) card. In fact people use them conveniently but some do not have much knowledge about these cards. They even don’t know that bank account details can be easily accessed by the digits given on their debit card? They only knows that some numbers are written on both sides of the debit card.

Do you know that these digits or numbers not only depict the details of your bank account but are also very important from security point of view? It is very helpful in preventing fraudulent activities that can occur at the time of shopping and online banking. Moreover, if due to some type of negligence these details are leaked, then it might lead to the frauds.

What is the meaning of 16 digits written on Debit Card?

On the front face of debit card, a 16 digits’ code is written. First 6 digits are Bank Identification Number and the rest 10 digits are Unique Account Number of the card holder. Even the Global Hologram printed on the debit card is a type of security hologram which is very difficult to copy. It is three dimensional. The date and year of expiry is also written on the debit card so that the card holder can remember that after this date, debit card will not work.

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What is the meaning of first digit on Debit Card?

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First number shows that industry which has issued the card; it is known as Major Industry Identifier (MII). Like the Banks, Petroleum etc. It is different for different industries.

The industries that roll out MII code are:

1 - ISO and other industries
2 - Airlines
3 - Airlines and other industries
4 - Travels and entertainment (American Express or Food Club)
5 - Banking and Finance (VISA)
6 - Banking and Finance (Master Card)
7 - Banking and Merchandising
8 - Petroleum
9 - Telecommunications and other industries
10 - National Assignment

What is the meaning of first 6 digits?

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The first 6 digits of debit card tells about the company which has issued the card. It is known as Issuer Identification Number (IIN).

Company’s IIN

Master Card = 5XXXXX

VISA = 4XXXXX

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The next 9 numbers from 7th to 15th digit, leaving the last digit are:

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From 7th digit to 15th digit, leaving the last digit, are linked to your bank account number. We cannot call it your bank account number but this number is linked with the account. But there is nothing to be worried about, as these numbers does not reveal anything about you and your bank account. It has only been issued by the card provider and is kept unique.

Now, the meaning of last digit on the Debit Card is:

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The last number of debit card is known as Check Digit. From this digit, it can be inferred that whether the card is valid or not.

At the back of the Debit Card:

Source: www. http:fbs.usc.edu

At the time of Online Shopping, CVV number is required so that the transaction can be completed properly. CVV is the three - digit number, which is given at the back of the card, it is generally present near the signature strip and is highlighted in italics.

So we can say that these 16 digits or numbers on the debit card represents Bank Identification Number and Unique Account Number of the card holder.

Frequently asked questions on debit or ATM card:

Q1. What is a debit card?
Ans. Debit card is also known as ATM card, plastic card, check card or bank card that can be used instead of cash at the time of purchasing. It is the most convenient and secure method to say no to cash. With the help of debit card do online payments, balance enquiry and also can generate mini-statements from an ATM.

Q2. How can you get a debit card?
Ans. When you open a bank account in a certain bank you receive an opening kit of the bank which consists of debit card, passbook etc. In case you didn't receive a debit card while opening a bank account then you can call customer care number of the bank or visit the branch to request for a debit card.

Q3. Who can apply for ATM-cum-Debit-card?
Ans. Any individual account holder having Savings Bank or Current Account, single, or joint account operated as Either or Survivor / Former or Survivor / Later or Survivor/ Anyone or Survivor / Pensioners, NRE account holders.

Q4. What is a Personal identification Number (PIN)?
Ans. PIN is a four-digit unique number of your debit card through which you can access your cash and can make any transaction through your ATM. Do remember to keep your PIN safe and confidential and also do not share it with anybody.

Q5. How much amount you can withdraw by using debit card or is there any transaction limit?
Ans. On daily cash withdrawals there are limits and it depends upon the type of debit card you hold. You can withdraw from Rs 15,000 to 2 lakh or even higher, depending upon the type of card you are using. For premium cards withdrawal limit of cash and point-of-sales limits are higher.

Q6. Are any charges levied for using a debit card for cash withdrawal?
Ans. Basically, cash withdrawals from the same bank's ATM are absolutely free. In fact some bank charges nominal charge in case more than five transactions you made from you bank's ATM.

Q7. When ATM-cum-Debit card is lost or misplaced whet immediate steps are to be taken?
Ans. Contact Toll free help line number and inform about the loss of card and make request to BLOCK the card and stop the operations of the card on the network. Please note to take ticket number from the Contact Centre. In case customers are not able to contact the Contact Centre for hot-listing there cards, they can approach any branch of the Bank. Inform immediately the card issuing branch telephonically about the loss of card followed by written request to BLOCK the card.

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What do 16 numbers on debit card represents? (2024)

FAQs

What do 16 numbers on debit card represents? ›

Conclusion. A debit card number is needed for various purposes such as online purchases, setting up automatic payments, and verifying card details. It is a unique 16-digit number that identifies the specific debit card and is necessary for any transactions made using the card.

Why does my debit card have 16 numbers? ›

Conclusion. A debit card number is needed for various purposes such as online purchases, setting up automatic payments, and verifying card details. It is a unique 16-digit number that identifies the specific debit card and is necessary for any transactions made using the card.

What is the meaning of 16-digit card number? ›

The first part that stands out is the 16-digit number on the front of your card. This is your Debit card Number. This unique number identifies your card and comprises two main parts. The first part (digits 1 to 6) is the Issuer Identification Number or the Bank Identification Number.

What can someone do with 16-digit card number? ›

A fraudster can steal money from you with just your debit card number and CVV. In many cases, that's all the information they need to enter at checkout to make payments online. Any deduction from your bank account, whether a purchase or cash withdrawal, is money you lose.

What is a 16-digit long card number? ›

The long credit card number is 16-19 digits long and is unique to you. 'Valid from' and 'expires end' indicate the month and year your card is issued and expires. For Mastercard and Visa, the 'CVV' or 'security number' is included on the signature strip. To use your card in-store or at an ATM, you'll need your PIN.

What kind of card has 16 digits? ›

Credit cards in the Visa, Mastercard and Discover payment networks feature 16 digits, while those in the American Express network have just 15. While all the numbers on your credit card can appear to be random, there's actual meaning behind them.

Which bank has a 16-digit account number? ›

Traditionally, J&K Bank used to issue a 4-5 digit account number to its customers. Post digitalization and for the purpose of complete security, J&K bank has been now started issuing 16-digit account number to its customers.

What do the numbers on a debit card mean? ›

Bank Identification Number (BIN) The initial six to eight digits of a debit card help identify the issuing bank. The first digit in the sequence represents the card network, such as Mastercard® or Visa.® Digits 7–15 (typically) Unique Account Number.

What if someone knows my debit card number and CVV number? ›

If you suspect that someone knows your CVV code, you should act immediately. Here's what you should do to protect yourself: Contact your bank as soon as possible and tell the service representative that somebody has your code. Or if you have your bank's app on your smartphone, check if you can block your card yourself.

Where is the 16-digit number on Visa card? ›

Most often, a credit card number is 16 digits but can be up to 21. The number tends to be embossed on the front or back of your physical card for easy reference.

Can someone access my bank account with my debit card? ›

Using a debit card opens up the possibility that the thief will gain access to the funds in your checking account. Protections are in place if a debit card has been lost or stolen and used fraudulently, but only if you notify your banking institution.

Is it safe to give your 16-digit credit card number? ›

In general, it is safe to give out your credit card number online or by phone. Never give out your card number if: You have any doubts about the security of the transaction. You did not initiate the transaction.

How did someone get my debit card info if I never used it? ›

Thieves can obtain your card number, expiry date, and security code using different techniques. They can use skimming devices placed on ATMs or point-of-sale payment terminals or phishing scams where they trick you into revealing your card details or hacking into databases that store card information.

What does a 16-digit credit card number represent? ›

A credit card number is the long set of digits displayed across the front or back of your plastic or metal credit card. It's typically 16 digits in length, often appearing in sets of four, and it's used to identify both the credit card issuer and the account holder.

How do you read a 16-digit card number? ›

The majority of credit card issuers (Visa and Mastercard) have 16 digits displayed across their cards. American Express has 15. The first six digits of the number indicate the Issuer Identification number or IIN. The first digit is the Major Industry Identifier or MII.

What is the 16-digit code on a card? ›

The debit card number is the sixteen-digit number on your card, printed usually on the back of the card. It is distinct from your account number but specific to your checking account. The debit card number serves as a unique identification number and a specific debit card can be determined by using this number.

What credit card has a 16-digit account number? ›

Locating the Account Number on Your Card

Your credit card number should be either printed or embossed in raised numbers across the front of your card. This is usually a 16-digit number, although it may be anywhere from 12 to 19 digits. Skip past the first 6 numbers on your card.

What is the 16 number in ATM card? ›

16th Digit - It is known as the checksum digit and is used to verify the validity of the Debit Card.

Is it okay to give your 16-digit credit card number? ›

In general, it is safe to give out your credit card number online or by phone. Never give out your card number if: You have any doubts about the security of the transaction. You did not initiate the transaction.

Does the 16-digit card number change? ›

Why does a replacement debit card have the same sixteen digits as the expired one before it? It depends on the reason for the replacement. If you're replacing a card which has expired (or is about to expire), you'll get the same card number, just with a new expiry date and more than likely a new CVV number on the back.

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