Primary Account Number (PAN)

The Primary Account Number (PAN) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a payment card, such as a credit or debit card. This number is essential for the routing and processing of payments, ensuring that funds are correctly transferred between accounts during transactions. A PAN typically consists of up to 16 digits, though it can range from 14 to 19 digits depending on the card network and type of account.

Structure of the PAN:

The PAN is sensitive information and must be handled with stringent security measures to protect against unauthorized use and fraud. This includes adherence to standards such as the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), which dictates operational and technical requirements for entities involved in payment processing.

In practical terms, the PAN is the number that cardholders provide when making purchases online or over the phone, and it is also encoded on the magnetic stripe and chip of physical cards for electronic reading during transactions. While the PAN helps identify the card network and issuing bank, it is crucial to keep this number secure to prevent potential misuse. The PAN may be printed on the front of a physical card or exist in a virtual form for online transactions, reflecting its central role in the modern payment ecosystem.