How to Find Credit Card Account Number [ANSWERED]

You rarely need your credit card account number, but when you do, how do you find it? Discover the easiest way to find this number.

Your credit card account number doesn't usually appear on your statement or online account information. However, it is built into your credit card. Your account number is the numbers from the seventh digit on your card number to the second-to-last digit.

Learn more details about how to use your credit card number to find your credit card account number. Then, discover other important information you can get from your credit card itself.

Credit Card Account Number: How to Find It

Nearly every type of account you have will have its own account number. This is true of bank accounts, gym memberships, and everything else. But not everyone knows how to find their credit card account number. Some people wonder whether it is the same as their credit card number, while others just aren't sure where to look.

What Is My Credit Card Account Number?

Your credit card account number is an identifying number for your credit card account. The number is associated with all of your credit card information, from your balance to your limits and everything in between.

You will not need to provide your credit card account number often, if ever, but it is still smart to understand how to find it. To make things more complicated, it doesn't usually appear on your statement or anywhere obvious in your online account.

Is the Credit Card Account Number the Same as the Card Number?

No, the credit card account number is not the same as the card number. But your credit card account number is part of your card number. It is a specific set of digits within the card number. This means that if you know how to find it and know your card number, you can easily figure out your account number.

Where to Find Your Credit Card Account Number

As mentioned, your credit card issuer may not print your account number on your monthly statements, whether they are paper or digital. They also don't always list it explicitly on your online credit card account. The reason that credit card issuers don't list the account number in these places is simple. It helps keep the information secure.

The Account Number Is Part of the Credit Card Number

All you need to have on hand to figure out your credit card account number is your credit card number. As mentioned, these are not the same number, but the credit card number contains your account number.

To see your account number, just look at the nine (or eight for American Express) digits of your credit card number between the seventh digit and second-to-last one. These make up your account number.

To explain it visually, assume you have a 16-digit credit card number made up of the letter "x." The bolded and capitalized "x" letters in the following would be your account number.

xxxx-xxXX-XXXX-XXXx

Keep in mind that the length of your account number can vary based on your credit card issuer. The key is that it will be 12 digits or shorter. Your credit card number will simply be a different number of digits based on how long your account number is. Overall, your credit card number will be between 12 and 19 digits.

For the majority of credit card issuers, the format above applies. This means your account number is likely to be nine digits, and your credit card number is probably 16 digits. American Express is a notable expression, with account numbers that are just eight digits.

What Are the Other Digits in Your Credit Card Number?

Once you realize that most of the digits of your credit card number are your account number, you may wonder what the other digits are. While you don't need to know the answer, it can still be helpful.

Issuer Identification Number

The first six digits identify the card issuer as well as the type of card, such as Visa or MasterCard. This is called the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) or Bank Identification Number (BIN).

The very first number indicates the major credit card company that issues the card. If you have a Visa, the number always starts with 4. If you have a MasterCard, it will always start with 2 or 5. Cards in the airline industry start with 1 or 2. American Express, Diners Club, and other travel and entertainment cards start with 3. Discover cards start with 6.

Check Digit

The last digit is simply another way of verifying your credit card information. This is called the check digit. Credit card processors use it with the LUHN Formula. This is the calculation processors do to confirm your card number is accurate. This is primarily to ensure you didn't accidentally mis-enter a digit.

As part of the formula, the processor multiplies and adds the numbers of your card. Adding the check digit ensures the sum can be divided by ten and is crucial for this calculation of authenticity.

How to Find Your Credit Card Account Number Without a Physical Card

While the above process of finding your credit card account number is simple, if you have your credit card right in front of you, what happens if you don't? Or what if your credit card doesn't have the number on it for some reason? You have a few options.

Check the Digital Card

Depending on your credit card, you may have a digital card and not a physical one. In this case, you just need to look at the full credit card number of your digital card and use the process outlined above.

To do so, log into your online account and click on your card. You will likely have to click on something to the effect of "Show card number."

Check Your Statement

As mentioned, your credit card issuer may or may not list your credit card account number on your statements. If you don't have your card handy, it is worth checking a statement to see whether this is the case. If it does appear there, it would be near the top of the page. However, don't be surprised if your issuer only includes the final four digits of your account number. This is a security measure.

Check Your Online Account

Like your statement, there is no guarantee that your credit card account number will appear on your online account, but it is worth checking. However, there is also the chance that you will only see the final four digits of the card or something similar. This is for your own security, so don't get frustrated. After all, you wouldn't want a hacker to get access to your account number or full credit card number.

Call Your Card Issuer

If none of the above work, your best option is to just call your credit card company. You can find the number on your statement or online. Just be ready to answer security questions and provide your social security number if asked. Your card issuer will have security measures in place to ensure they don't give sensitive information to the wrong person.

What Other Information Can You Find on Your Credit Card?

Now that you know you can find your credit card account number on your credit card, what other information is displayed there?

The information you are most likely to need includes:

Expiration date: This is the month and year that your card expires. Your issuer will send you a replacement before the current one expires. It appears on the front of the card under your 16-digit number.
CCV code: This is a security code on the back of your card, next to the magnetic stripe. It is three digits, and you typically need to enter it for online purchases.

On the front of your card, you will see various logos and phrasing to indicate that it is a "Credit Card" or "Debit/Access Card." There will also be bank branding and the logo of the payment network, such as Visa or MasterCard. Your name as the person authorized to use the card also appears on the front. In the case of credit cards with more than one authorized user, each authorized user gets their own card with their name on it. You will also be able to see the smart chip on the front of your card if you have one.

On the back of your card, you will see the contact information for your credit card issuer. Network logos are also usually present to let you know what ATMs you can use, if relevant. You will also see the magnetic stripe that non-chip readers use to read your card. There will also be a signature panel that you must sign before using the card.

Conclusion

You don't need to use your credit card account number often and may never have to use it. But as long as you have your credit card number, you can figure out your account number. Skip the first six digits of the card number, then start at the seventh. From that digit, the numbers until (and including) the second-to-last of your card is your account number.