What is the maximum number of digits of a Primary Account Number (PAN) that can be displayed, according to requirement 3.3?

The maximum number of digits of a Primary Account Number (PAN) that can be displayed, according to requirement 3.3, is the first six and last four digits. This standard is in place primarily for security reasons. Displaying the first six digits allows identification of the issuing bank or card issuer, while displaying only the last four digits protects the cardholder’s full account number from exposure. This approach reduces the risk of fraud while still allowing necessary identification for transactions.

In the context of payment card security, fully displaying the PAN could lead to unauthorized usage if the card information falls into the wrong hands. Thus, partial masking of the PAN—showing just the six leading digits and the last four—strikes a balance between operational needs and security.

Options that propose displaying all digits or just the last four digits do not align with this security requirement, as they either expose the account fully or provide insufficient identification while masking potential exposure. The specific requirement aims to keep sensitive cardholder data secure while facilitating necessary card recognition during transactions.