What Is a Primary Account Number?

By Kristi Waterworth – Updated Jun 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM EST

Key Points

PAN uniquely identifies payment cards and includes issuer and account details.
A PAN's check digit verifies accuracy, boosting transaction safety.
Invest in card issuers to tap into profits from secure payment technologies.

If you're a credit card holder or invest in credit card companies, you know that the little things matter. One of those little things is the primary account number, which is an important element on every credit and debit card issued today. Read on to learn more about this interesting and unique identifier.

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A pile of credit cards. — Image source: Getty Images.

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Service code. The service code is a three- or four-digit code embedded in the magnetic stripe. It provides the processor with instructions for the card, such as whether it's a debit or credit card, as well as restrictions on its use and the card's attributes.

EMV chip. Most cards today are what we call "chip cards," which use an EMV chip. The chip is actually a very small microprocessor that generates a unique code for each transaction, making it much more difficult for anyone to commit fraud with your card.

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About the Author

Kristi Waterworth has been a contributing real estate and financial expert at The Motley Fool, covering real estate, investing, and personal finance topics, since 2020. Kristi has been interviewed by various TV media outlets and podcasts for her real estate investing expertise – from residential real estate to digital real estate and everything in between. Kristi’s journalist career spans over 25 years, and she has written about real estate investing, homeownership, and home construction specifically for the last decade. She was also previously a licensed Realtor and general building contractor before the Great Recession and housing market collapse. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from Columbia College in Missouri.

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American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Mastercard and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.