Mastercard BIN Ranges: 51-55 and 2221-2720
Mastercard operates two published BIN (Bank Identification Number) ranges. Any card number that begins inside either range is a genuine Mastercard and is routed over the Mastercard network:
| Range | Card Numbers Start With | Introduced | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional range | 51 52 53 54 55 (510000-559999) | Original | Active - published |
| 2-series range | 2221 - 2720 (222100-272099) | 2017 | Active - published |
The Mastercard 2-Series (2221-2720) Explained
In 2017, Mastercard expanded its BIN capacity by introducing the 2-series: all account ranges from 2221 through 2720. This was done because the traditional 51-55 range was running out of available BINs for new issuers and products.
Key facts about the 2-series range:
- Cards starting with 2221-2720 are genuine Mastercard cards - not a different network.
- They are processed identically to 51-55 cards: same interchange, same rules, same acceptance.
- Merchants and payment systems are required to accept 2-series cards anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- Numbers outside 2221-2720 (for example 2000-2220 or 2721-2999) are not Mastercard ranges.
If a payment form rejects a card starting with 2, it usually means the merchant's card-validation logic was never updated for the 2-series. Testing your checkout against both ranges is a standard part of payment QA.
Which Numbers Are NOT Mastercard?
| Starts With | Network |
|---|---|
4 | Visa |
34, 37 | American Express |
6011, 644-649, 65 | Discover |
3528-3589 | JCB |
62 | UnionPay |
50, 56-69 (most) | Maestro (Mastercard's debit brand) |
About Mastercard
Mastercard Inc. is the second-largest payment card network globally. Like Visa, Mastercard provides network infrastructure while partner banks issue cards with unique BIN numbers. A Mastercard BIN lookup identifies the issuing bank, the card tier, the country of issue, and whether the card is credit, debit, or prepaid.
Mastercard Product Tiers
| Product | Segment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Consumer | Basic card for everyday purchases. |
| Gold | Consumer | Travel and purchase protections. |
| Platinum | Consumer | Premium travel insurance. |
| World | Consumer | High-end global travel perks. |
| World Elite | Consumer | Top-tier with concierge and luxury benefits. |
| Business | Commercial | For small/medium businesses. |
| Corporate | Commercial | Enterprise expense management. |
Mastercard vs Visa
| Feature | Mastercard | Visa |
|---|---|---|
| BIN Starts With | 51-55, 2221-2720 | 4 |
| Card Length | 16 digits | 16 digits |
| Top Consumer Tier | World Elite | Infinite |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the published Mastercard BIN ranges?
Mastercard publishes two ranges: 51-55 (the traditional range, cards starting 510000-559999) and 2221-2720 (the 2-series, introduced in 2017, cards starting 222100-272099). Both ranges are processed identically on the Mastercard network.
Is 2221-2720 a real Mastercard range?
Yes. The 2-series (2221-2720) was introduced by Mastercard in 2017 to expand its BIN capacity. Cards beginning with 2221 through 2720 are genuine Mastercard cards and must be accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
What digits do Mastercard cards start with?
Mastercard cards start with 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55, or with a number in the 2221-2720 range. The first 6-8 digits form the BIN identifying the issuing bank and card product.
How do I check a Mastercard BIN?
Enter the first 6-8 digits of the card into the Mastercard BIN checker above and click Lookup. You will see the issuing bank, card tier, country, and funding type.