To add an extra layer of security, you can use a third-party digital wallet or a virtual credit card number. If you suspect fraud, report it right away. Before you checkout, double-check the merchant and the URL of the site to make sure it’s safe. Use a private device, a secure connection and don’t respond to phishing emails when shopping online. You should also be cautious when shopping online. First, never share your account information - not even over the phone with a representative from the credit card issuer unless you placed the call. Checksum: The last digit of a credit card number is known as a checksum, which immediately detects if the card number is incorrect thanks to a special algorithm.Ĭredit card numbers should be protected, and there are several ways to do so.Having that many digits creates a huge number of numerical possibilities for each issuer to use for their cards, according to Discover. Individual card account: The next nine to 12 numbers identify the individual account.

This number identifies the institution that issued the card. Issuer Identification Number: The next five numbers are referred to as the card’s Issuer Identification Number, or IIN - previously known as the Bank Identification Number, or BIN.This number indicates what type of institution issued the card. Major Industry Identifier: The first number of a credit card number is known as the Major Industry Identifier, or MII.Here are some of the other components embedded in those numbers: American Express card numbers contain 15 digits, however, and some companies use 19 numbers. Most credit card numbers are made up of 16 digits, often bunched together in sets of four.

Credit card numbers