Issuer Identification Number (IIN)

We are the ISO recognised National Numbering Authority and the ISO sponsoring body for UK and overseas countries that do not have a sponsoring authority for the issuance of Issuer Identification Numbers (IINs).  This service is used by banks, financial institutions, merchandizing companies and petroleum companies.


The difference between an International and National IIN is that the International IIN is the first six digits of the account number on a plastic card where the card is to be used either internationally or inter-industry and the National IIN is the first 8 digits of the account number and starts with “9826” and can only be used within the UK.


In more detail the Primary Account Number (PAN) shown on the front of a plastic card has a maximum length of 19 digits.  There are three elements to the PAN:

 

 

Issuer Identification Number

Account

Check

 

Number

Digit

 

International PANs

6 digits (starting with 5-7)

Variable up to 12 digits

(1) Last digit

UK International PANs

6 digits (starting with 633)

Variable up to 12 digits

(1) Last digit

UK National PANs

8 digits (starting with 9826)

Variable up to 10 digits

(1) Last digit

 

Purpose of the IIN is to identify the card issuer and tell the acquirer and card issuer who to route the transaction to.

 

How to obtain an IIN


Please click on one of the links below to download a zip file containing instructions on how to obtain either a UK National IIN, UK International IIN or Overseas International IIN:
 

UK National IINs

Used for institutions based in the UK ONLY

Cost: £350 + VAT (one off payment)

 

UK International IINs 

Used for institutions based within the UK for cards designed for international acceptance

Cost: £600 + VAT

In addition the UK card issuers are charge an annual maintenance fee of £30 + VAT starting on the first anniversary of the assignment

 

Overseas International IINs

Used by institutions based outside the UK where applications are to be sponsored by the SC17 Secretariat)

Cost: £600 + VAT (one off payment)

As to whether your national standards body can sponsor your application please contact Beverley Redwood with the name of the country in which your organisation is based.


If you require further information on IINs please contact kathy.ryan@ukpayments.org.uk


Or you might find the answer to your question in the 'FAQ' section