# BIN Lookup
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/index.md

## Overview {#overview}

BIN Lookup is a REST API for retrieving Mastercard BIN account range data, including single lookups, filtered searches, full downloads, and deltas. It helps teams identify card and issuer attributes quickly so they can make better routing, fraud, and customer experience decisions. To learn about the data available from BIN Lookup, see [Data Elements](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/data-elements/index.md).

Bank Identification Numbers (BINs) comprise the first 6 to 11 digits of a payment card number. These digits identify the issuing bank or financial institution, along with a range of other attributes. BIN data is essential for verifying card validity, preventing fraudulent activity, and optimizing payment routing. Originally developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to identify issuers of internationally accepted cards, BIN data is now widely used by merchants, payment processors, and fraud detection systems.

A BIN indicates key details such as the issuing bank or financial institution, the type of card (for example, credit or debit), and the region in which the card was issued. This information helps reduce fraud by validating the card and confirming that it belongs to the person using it. Additionally, BIN data enable businesses to screen transactions for risk, route transactions according to custom logic, and analyze payment activity to identify trends and insights.

### Who It Is For {#who-it-is-for}

BIN Lookup supports participants across the payments ecosystem, including merchants, payment processors, acquirers, and fraud and risk teams. Common industries and use cases include e-commerce, digital payments, subscription services, fraud prevention, and customer support operations.

Tip: Mastercard discourages merchants and processors from using unauthorised BIN data solutions because they can be incomplete, outdated, and detrimental to your business.

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### Business Value {#business-value}

BIN Lookup helps organizations:

* Improve payment routing decisions and transaction efficiency.
* Strengthen fraud decisioning with issuer, country, and product-level BIN insights.
* Improve checkout and customer experience through more accurate card intelligence.
* Reduce manual investigation effort in customer support and operations.

## How It Works {#how-it-works}

The BIN Lookup service provides three APIs: full or filtered BIN range retrieval, single BIN lookup, and incremental delta updates. Learn more about account ranges, BINs, and product capabilities in the following video.

### Core Flows {#core-flows}

* **Single Lookup**: Query one BIN in real time for account range attributes.
* **Filtered Search**: Retrieve targeted BIN datasets using issuer, product, or country filters.
* **Full Download**: Use pagination to retrieve the full available BIN dataset for batch or offline use.
* **Delta Updates**: Retrieve incremental changes between snapshots to keep local data in sync.

### Integration at a Glance {#integration-at-a-glance}

|         Detail          |                    Description                     |
|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| **Authentication**      | OAuth 1.0a                                         |
| **Transport Security**  | TLS encryption on all requests                     |
| **Sandbox Base URL**    | `https://sandbox.api.mastercard.com/bin-resources` |
| **Production Base URL** | `https://api.mastercard.com/bin-resources`         |
| **Data Format**         | JSON request and response bodies                   |
| **Update Frequency**    | Data refreshed daily at 12:35 AM CST               |

## Good to Know {#good-to-know}

### Production Access Options {#production-access-options}

Many eligible merchants can access the BIN Lookup API at no additional cost from Mastercard.
After Sandbox testing is complete, all customers can follow a straightforward process to transition to Production:

* **Eligible acquirers and their merchants**: Accept the click-through agreement when you request Production access. No additional steps are required.
* **All other customers**: Accept the click-through agreement when you request Production access. A BIN Lookup team member may reach out after your request to discuss any additional details.

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If you are unsure which path applies to your organization or want to discuss your options, [contact us](mailto:DBN.BinTableResource.Support@mastercard.com). For more information about moving to Production, see [Onboarding Checklist](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/onboarding-checklist/index.md).
Warning: Production access is for your organization only. You may use the API and BIN data only as permitted by your agreement. Reselling, sublicensing, or redistributing BIN data or API access is not allowed unless Mastercard has approved a separate written agreement.

### SBART {#sbart}

The Simplified BIN Account Range Table (SBART) is a CSV file that provides a limited subset of BIN data fields for select use cases.
The latest version of the file is available from the [SBART page on Mastercard Developers](https://developer.mastercard.com/sbart-bin/documentation).
To download the SBART file for the first time, you must log into Mastercard Developers and request access. For subsequent downloads, you must be signed in.
Note: For use cases that benefit from broader BIN data attributes, Mastercard recommends using the BIN Lookup API.

## Next Steps {#next-steps}

### Mastercard API Basics {#mastercard-api-basics}

Find out how to get set up with a project and learn about client authentication.

[Learn more →](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/api-basics/index.md)

### Explore Capabilities {#explore-capabilities}

BIN Lookup is simple but mighty. Learn how it can be used.

[Learn more →](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/use-cases/index.md)

### Quick Start {#quick-start}

Learn how to go from account setup to your first successful Sandbox request for BIN Lookup.

[Learn more →](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/quick-start-guide/index.md)

### Developer Tooling {#developer-tooling}

Use our Postman Collection, Insomnia plug-in, and sample code to accelerate development.

[Learn more →](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/developer-tools/index.md)

### Get Ready for Production {#get-ready-for-production}

Find out about the stages to progress your integration to production.

[Learn more →](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/onboarding-checklist/index.md)

### Talk to Us {#talk-to-us}

More questions? Review our FAQ or get in touch.

[Learn more →](https://developer.mastercard.com/bin-lookup/documentation/support/index.md)