Differentiating Credit vs Debit Cards: Tips for Identifying Card Types

[beepampered]

Do you know of a way to tell if a card number is a credit versus a debit card? A guest from numerous shows wants me to charge something to her credit card and something else on a different upcoming show to her debit card. Unfortunately, I have two different numbers from two different shows but I don't know which one is which. Thanks...

 

[Chef Diane]

I don't think there is anyway of knowing just by looking at the numbers, you may have to call her and explain the situation. You're human after all and she's a repeat customer which says something Im sure she will understand. You can also use this as a customer care call.

 

[AJPratt]

Ask her the last four digits of which card and you can just copy and paste to correct it.

 

[beepampered]

She's on vacation for two weeks so I can't call her. That's why she gave me this hurried message cause there were different shows closing at different times. I guess I'll try to wait or just use the wrong card and catch grief later. Sigh.

 

[DZmom]

Are they the same type of card. Both Visa, or are they different. One Visa one Mastercard? AmEx starts with a 3, Visa start with a 4, MasterCard with a 5, and I think Discover cards start with a 6. Hopefully that helps! Good Luck!!

 

[stephanieboyd]

Okay, this is right up my alley!! As a former fraud investigator for Visa, I can tell you a sure way to find out, but it's pretty involved.

First, if it's a Visa--call 1-800-Visa-911 you should get an automated system that will tell you the phone number to the issuing bank. Then call them to find out.
For a MC the number is 1-800-MC-Assist. Go through the same steps as the Visa and you will know!!

Donna's previous tip about the starting numbers is right on!! Use that to determine which number to call. Obviously, the Amex and Discover don't issue debit cards, so you can rule those out.

Let me know if you need anything else!!!