What Is an IIN (Issuer Identification Number)?
An Issuer Identification Number (IIN) is the official designation for the first 6 to 8 digits of a payment card number, as defined by the ISO/IEC 7812 standard. These digits uniquely identify the institution that issued the card and the card network it belongs to.
While BIN (Bank Identification Number) has been used for decades, the ISO formally adopted "IIN" as the preferred term. Both refer to the same set of digits.
IIN vs BIN — What's the Difference?
| Aspect | IIN | BIN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Issuer Identification Number | Bank Identification Number |
| Standard | ISO/IEC 7812 (current) | Legacy industry term |
| Length | 6 or 8 digits | Traditionally 6 digits |
| Refers to | Same digits — first 6–8 on a card | Same digits — first 6–8 on a card |
| Usage | ISO documentation, standards bodies | Industry, developers, merchants |
In practice, you can use the terms interchangeably. Our BIN checker tool works with both.
What Information Does an IIN Lookup Provide?
- Card Network — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, UnionPay
- Issuing Institution — The bank or financial institution
- Card Product — Specific product name (e.g., Visa Signature, World Elite)
- Funding Type — Credit, debit, or prepaid
- Country of Issuance — Where the card was issued
- Currency — Default account currency
- Card Segment — Consumer, commercial, or corporate
- Fast Funds — Domestic or cross-border fast funds eligibility
How to Use the IIN Lookup
- Scroll to the IIN Number Lookup tool above.
- Enter the first 6 to 8 digits of any payment card.
- Click Lookup or press Enter.
- View the full card details instantly.
Who Uses IIN / BIN Lookups?
- Merchants & E-commerce — Validate card details before processing.
- Fraud Prevention Teams — Detect country mismatches and suspicious transactions.
- Payment Processors — Route transactions and apply interchange rates.
- Developers — Auto-detect card type for payment form UX.
- Financial Analysts — Understand card demographics.
Why the Industry Moved from BIN to IIN
Not all card issuers are banks. Fintechs, credit unions, and government agencies also issue cards. "Issuer Identification Number" is more inclusive and accurate. Despite this, BIN continues to dominate everyday vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IIN number?
An IIN (Issuer Identification Number) is the first 6 to 8 digits of a payment card number. It identifies the card-issuing institution and is the official ISO/IEC 7812 term for what was traditionally called a BIN.
How do I look up an IIN?
Enter the first 6–8 digits of any card into the IIN lookup tool on this page and click Lookup.
Is IIN the same as BIN?
Yes. Both terms refer to the same digits — the first 6–8 on a payment card.