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How do I know if a number is Visa or MasterCard?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on January 29, 2026

Credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa, and Discover, all have unique, identifying numbers as their first digits, with the exception of American Express, Diner’s Club and Carte Blanche, which share the same first digit: the number 3. MasterCard’s unique first digit is 5, while Visa’s is always 4.

What credit cards start with what numbers?

The first digit in your credit-card number signifies the system:

  • 3 – travel/entertainment cards (such as American Express and Diners Club)
  • 4 – Visa.
  • 5 – MasterCard.
  • 6 – Discover Card.

    What numbers does Mastercard start with?

    If it’s a Visa card, it will always start with a 4, while Mastercards generally start with a 5 — although in 2017 Mastercard started issuing some of its numbers starting with 2….First number.

    First digitCredit card issuer
    2Mastercard (2017)
    3American Express
    4Visa
    5Mastercard

    What credit card starts with a 5?

    Mastercard
    First digit: 4; Credit card issuer: Visa. First digit: 5; Credit card issuer: Mastercard.

    What kind of credit card starts with the number 6011?

    The first digit or digits of a credit card number can identify the issuer of a card. A credit card number that begins with a 6011 is a Discover card and contains 16 total digits.

    Is the number 60 a valid credit card number?

    The numbers in brackets are multiplied by two numbers on the card. When we collect these numbers, the result is 60. This number is therefore a valid credit card number. You can do this on your own credit card. Spend according to the money in your pocket, not your limit. If possible, try to pay the full debt in the statement.

    What is the first digit of a Discover credit card?

    The first digit or digits of a credit card number can identify the issuer of a card. A credit card number that begins with a 6011 is a Discover card and contains 16 total digits. According to bincodes.com, a Discover card can also begin with the following digits: 622126-622925. 644-649.

    What is the first four digits of a Visa card?

    Visa – Digits two through six are the bank number, digits seven through 12 or seven through 15 are the account number and digit 13 or 16 is a check digit. MasterCard – Digits two and three, two through four, two through five or two through six are the bank number (depending on whether digit two is a 1, 2, 3 or other).