Expansion to 2-series Bank Identification Numbers (BINs) for Mastercard
Bank Identification Numbers (BINs), which are the first six-digits of the account number, are fundamental to payments. They identify the issuing institution for the account and ensure that each transaction is routed correctly.
Mastercard® has received an additional range of 2-series numbers to add to the 5-series that we currently provide. The 2-series BINs operate in the same way as the 5-series and we have made changes to our systems to accommodate the new numbers. Readiness for the 2-series across our issuers, merchants and other partners is tracking on target dates listed below. Mastercard customer financial institutions can expect to be issued 2-series BINs starting in 2017.
What merchants need to know
All merchant POS (Point of Sale) terminals and related systems, webpage checkout software and anywhere a Mastercard card number is accepted or housed, must be 2-series ready per timing in the table below. Merchants should work with their acquirer or service provider to evaluate their systems to determine whether updates are needed to accept 2-series BIN payments. Merchants who would like to request 2-series test or production cards can send an email to 2series_test_cards@mastercard.com.
Potential implications for merchants
POS terminals and/or cash register updates
Educating your employees
Reporting, processing and reconciliation
E-commerce/online checkout
Download 2-series BIN impact evaluation checklist for merchants:
https://www.mastercard.us/content/dam/mccom/en-us/documents/merchant-2-series-BIN-impact-checklist-aug-2016.pdf
