The first 4 digits of a Visa card are part of the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) or Bank Identification Number (BIN). A Visa card's first digit will always be a 4, and the next five digits tell which credit card company, bank, or credit union issued the card. Every digit on a Visa credit card provides a different piece of information.
Meaning of a Visa Credit Card Number
- The first digit of your Visa card will always be a “4” because that is the number assigned to the Visa card network.
- The next five digits, together with the first digit, are the issuer identification number (IIN), which lets you know which bank or credit union issued the card.
- Digits 7 through 15 represent your specific credit card account. These numbers will be different from card to card, even if two cards have the same issuer.
- The final digit of your Visa card is unique and designed to protect you from credit card fraud. This last number on the card serves as a final check for payment processors.
You can read WalletHub’s guide to learn more about credit card numbers and what they mean. You can also look at the best Visa credit card offers currently available if you’re interested in a new card.
This answer was first published on 01/31/23 and it was last updated on 02/09/24. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
