What is the account number on a debit card

What Is a Primary Account Number?

The term primary account number refers to a 14-, 15-, 16-, or even up to 19-digit number generated as a unique identifier designated for a primary account. Primary account numbers are also called payment card numbers as they are found on payment cards like credit and debit cards. This account number is either embossed or laser-printed and is found on the front of the card.

Primary account numbers are either embossed or laser-printed and can be found on the front of a card.

Understanding Primary Account Numbers

Primary account numbers are unique identifiers for different payment cards like credit and debit cards, providing information about the cardholder such as the name, balance, credit limit. PANs may also be used to identify other types of cards that store value such as a gift or prepaid card.

Because they may be the only number associated with a particular account—as in the case of a credit card—primary account numbers are also called account numbers. In other cases, they may not identify the exact account information about the associated account. For instance, a debit card number does not reflect or identify the account numbers of any linked checking, savings, or other accounts.

The primary account number is typically generated when an account is opened. Therefore, it is usually the first account in a series that may be opened by a customer at a financial institution. The primary account number is also usually the number identified with a tradeline on an individual’s credit report. PANs are able to support account record keeping and resolution if issues should arise with the account.

Key Takeaways

• A primary account number is a 14, 15, or 16 digit number generated as a unique identifier for a primary account.
• Primary account numbers are issued to payment cards such as credit and debit cards as well as other cards that store value like a gift card.
• Although they may be used as an identifier, PANs don't always provide exact account information as is the case with debit cards.
• PANs can be used to support account record keeping and resolution.

Special Considerations

The very first digit of a primary account number is called the major industry identifier, which identifies the type of credit card by issuing company

• American Express cards start with a 3
• Visa cards start with a 4
• MasterCard cards start with a 5
• Discover cards start with a 6
• Certain airline credit cards start with a 1 or 2
• Petroleum company cards start with a 7
• Certain telecommunications and health care cards start with an 8

The first six digits identify the credit card network associated with the card, such as 601100 for Discover cards. The last digit is called the checksum number which helps prevent criminals from creating fraudulent credit card numbers. The numbers in between the first six digits and the last digit uniquely identify the customer’s account.

Primary Account Number Security

Credit card companies such as Visa ask merchants to take precautions to protect customers’ primary account numbers. One such guideline is called PAN truncation. Visa says merchants are not required to store full account numbers. Doing so presents a security risk if there is a data breach. In the United States, a federal law called the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) prohibits merchants from printing more than the last 5 digits of a cardholder’s account number on a receipt. Merchants are also prohibited from printing the card’s expiration date.

Primary Account Numbers vs. Secondary Account Numbers

Financial institutions and lenders may issue debit and credit cards may to a secondary user authorized by the primary account holder. If an account has a secondary account holder, cards may both use the primary account number. Some institutions, though, have a card-issuing policy that allows the secondary user to have a secondary account number.

Business credit card accounts operate a little differently. The primary account number for corporate credit cards doesn't appear on any employee’s credit card. In this case, the credit card company issues each employee a card with separate, secondary account numbers. This makes it easier for companies to identify and track charges based on each employee's card usage.

When you open a bank account in the UK, your bank will give you an account number and sort code. These two strings of numbers are the very foundation of your bank account and allow for money to be transferred into your account.

Here we go into the details and explain the purpose of your bank account number and sort code and where you can find them. You can also use our sort code checker to confirm the details of bank sort codes.

What is a sort code?

A sort code is an important factor of your bank account. A sort code is a 6 digit number that identifies your bank. It’s usually split up into pairs; the first two digits identify which bank it is and the last four digits refer to the specific branch of the bank, where you opened the account.

Starling is branchless and all of our customers share the same sort code, which is 60-83-71.

Sort code checker

Use our sort code checker to easily find and check UK sort codes. The sort code checker will tell you which bank the sort code belongs to. You’ll also be able to see if the bank accepts Faster Payments and Bacs.

To use the our sort code checker, simply enter a sort code into the box below and press the ‘check’ button. Type the sort code without any spaces or dashes e.g. 608371.

Where is the sort code?

You can typically find your sort code on bank statements and in your online or app banking. Many banks also print the sort code on the front or back of the bank card together with the account number. At Starling, we don’t display the sort code on our debit cards, because all of our customers share the same sort code, which is publicly available. Starling customers can easily find their sort code in the Starling app and on the online banking platform.

What is an account number?

A bank account number is a number that is tied to your bank account. If you have several bank accounts, such as personal, joint, business (and so on), each account will have a different account number.

How long is an account number?

In the UK, most bank account numbers typically contain eight digits. Some UK banks do have shorter account numbers, but here the number ‘0’ can be added in front to reach eight digits. Generally, a bank account number will only be relevant when used in conjunction with a sort code.

Where can I see my account number?

If you need to find your bank account number, you’ll typically be able to see it on bank statements and on your online or app banking. Most banks also print the bank account number on the front or back of your bank card. However, this is not to be confused with the card number, which is the 16 digit number, usually placed in the middle of your bank card.

Most of Starling’s personal account holders can find their bank account number on the back of their debit cards, as well as in the Starling bank app (neither our old purple cards - collectors items now! - or our very early teal cards have the account number on). If you can’t find the account number on your Starling card, don’t worry; you’ll find it in the app or on the online banking platform.

Is it safe to give out your account number and sort code?

Giving out your account number and sort code is often necessary, for example, to receive payments from your employer, friends, family, customers or clients.

It’s generally considered safe to give out your account number and sort code, but you should always use common sense and avoid sharing your bank details with people you don’t know or expect payments from. Also, you should never share your personal banking details, such as PIN, card number, card expiry date and CVV number (that’s the three digit number, which, in Starling’s case can be found on the right side of the signature strip). The CVV number helps to protect you against fraud by proving to online merchants that you have the physical card with you. Read more about protecting yourself and your money from financial fraud.

Other resources

What are IBAN, SWIFT and BIC?

Interest rates: What are APR, EAR and AER?

What is Bacs? A guide to Bacs payments

What are Faster Payments and how to they work?

What is CHAPS? CHAPS payments explained

How do I find my account number on my debit card?

Is an account number the same as a card number?

What is an account number?