MasterCard has recently announced that it is creating a new BIN (Bank Identification Number) for their cards. They will start issuing cards beginning with the number “2,” to supplement the existing 5 series of BIN numbers.
This not only expands the number of available cards, by creating additional secure and unique numbers, but also meets the need for new card numbers which are needed for payment tokens when cardholders load their card into a digital wallet.
This change may require merchants to perform a system update to comply with their MasterCard agreement. Your POS must be able to support this new BIN range by June 2017. Anyone identified as noncompliant will have 30 days to resolve the issue before receiving an assessment, which could be:
- $2,500 for the first month of noncompliance
- $5,000 for the second month of noncompliance
- $10,000 for the third month of noncompliance
- $20,000 for the fourth month of noncompliance, and every month thereafter until the issue is resolved
A systems analysis will determine any changes that are required. Software providers may have updates available and internally developed solutions may require enhancements. This change may affect issuers in the following areas:
- Routing and processing
- Reporting and reconciliation
- Dispute processing
- Rewards and loyalty
- Online banking
- Balance transfers
- P2P payment processing
- Card production
- Card design
The credit card processing industry is constantly evolving. The secret to success is being adaptable to these changes, and making customer service a priority.