How can I tell if my number is Mastercard or Visa?

Decoding Your Card: Quickly Identifying Mastercard vs. Visa

So you’ve got a credit or debit card, but aren’t sure if it’s a Mastercard or a Visa? Figuring this out is easier than you might think, and you don’t need to hunt for tiny logos. The secret lies in the very first digit of your card number.

This initial digit is part of something called the Major Industry Identifier (MII), a system used to categorize different payment networks. While the entire card number is vital for security and processing payments, that very first number gives you a quick clue about the card’s brand.

Here’s the simple breakdown for Mastercard and Visa:

• Mastercard: If your card number begins with the digit 5, it’s a Mastercard.

• Visa: If your card number begins with the digit 4, it’s a Visa.

Important Note: While the information above is generally accurate, there are rare exceptions. Some prepaid cards or cards issued by smaller banks might not strictly adhere to these rules. However, for the vast majority of cards, this simple digit check is a quick and effective way to determine whether you’re holding a Mastercard or a Visa.

For absolute certainty, of course, you can always look for the card network’s logo prominently displayed on the front of the card itself. But if you need a fast identification method, checking the first digit is a handy trick to keep in mind.