Official Mastercard BIN Ranges: 51-55 and 2221-2720
Mastercard operates two official 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 - official |
| 2-series range | 2221 - 2720 (222100-272099) | 2017 | Active - official |
The Mastercard 2-Series (2221-2720) Explained
In 2017, Mastercard officially 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, official 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 official Mastercard BIN ranges?
Mastercard has two official ranges: 51-55 (traditional) and 2221-2720 (2-series, introduced 2017). Both are processed identically on the Mastercard network.
Is 2221-2720 an official Mastercard range?
Yes. The 2-series (2221-2720) was officially introduced by Mastercard in 2017. Cards in this range are genuine Mastercards and must be accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
What digits do Mastercard cards start with?
51-55 or 2221-2720. The first 6-8 digits form the BIN.
How do I check a Mastercard BIN?
Enter the first 6-8 digits above and click Lookup - you'll see the issuing bank, card tier, country, and funding type.