4.4 Issuing BINs

The Bank Identification Number (BIN The Bank Identification Number (BIN) is the first four or six numbers on a payment card, which identifies the institution that issues the card.) is the first six or eight numbers on a payment card, which identifies the institution that issues the card. When you select a card issuer, they will provide you with either your own BIN, for use on your card programme, or a range within a shared BIN.

Figure 14: Example of a card BIN

BINs are issued by the relevant Card Scheme (e.g., Visa, Mastercard or Discover). A BIN can only be issued to a licenced BIN sponsor.

The BIN setup and assignment determines the type of card, such as credit, debit or prepaid, and some high-level attributes (such as number of ATM PIN tries allowed).

Scheme reporting can be set up at BIN level or can combine BINs.

You can split your BIN into account ranges (sub-BINs), to support different countries, currencies and products. The account range splits at the Card Scheme must align with the account ranges you have set up at Thredd.

You can use the services of an existing issuer to provide you with BINs or apply for your own BINs directly.

Some issuers provide shared BINs, which are used to issue small programmes and white-labelled Card solution where you provide the physical or virtual card, but enable other companies to offer a card with their brand image included. solutions, and which offer the benefit of speed to market.