FAQ

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do I need an IIN?

Anyone setting up a plastic card scheme that will be used outside of a closed system needs to apply for an IIN.  For example, if you are implementing a store card that will only be read by the terminal within your store, i.e. there is no “interchange” of information with other parties, and then you do not need to apply for an IIN.  However, you should call UK Payments for advice on what number ranges to use and what number ranges to avoid (020 3217 8206)

If, however, information on the card will be read by terminals in other stores and/or the information will be interchanged with other parties e.g. a bank for a payment transaction, then you need to apply for an IIN.

Which IIN do I need to apply for?

UK National IIN

If your institution is based in the UK, and the card that you are going to issue will only be used within the UK then you should apply for a NATIONAL

UK International IIN

If your organisation is based within the UK, but the card that you are going to issue will be used in Europe, internationally or across different industries e.g. retail and payment industries, then you should apply for an INTERNATIONAL

Overseas International IIN

For organisations based outside the UK and do not have a national sponsoring body

Points to note when applying for a UK National IIN

National IINs

Please check with the designer of your system that the card-reading device will be able to read and route on an eight-digit identifier rather than a six-digit identifier.

Ensure that your customer account number has a maximum of 10 digits and that your final Primary Account Number (PAN) will not be more than 19 digits including the check digit.

Which countries have a sponsoring body

Please contact kathy.ryan@ukpayments.org.uk with the name of the country in which your organisation is based