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    Who Was My Original Creditor?

    Paste an account number to learn what type it appears to be (e.g., Visa, MasterCard) and how to track the likely original creditor. We don’t store or send what you enter—everything runs in your browser.

    Original Creditor Finder


    Tip: You can paste with spaces or dashes; we’ll normalize it. Displayed here as last-4 only.



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    What Makes Up an Account Number?

    Issuer Identifier

    Many account numbers begin with digits that identify the issuing institution or network. For payment cards, this is called the Issuer Identification Number (IIN/BIN), typically the first 6–8 digits.

    CLICK HERE to access the BIN Database.

    Major Industry Identifier (MII) (First Digit)

    This digit indicates the type of card issuer or the credit card network. For example, a Visa card typically starts with a 4, a Mastercard with a 5, and an American Express with a 3. 

    Customer / Account ID

    The middle digits usually represent your specific account within the issuer’s system. Some creditors add internal product or branch codes.

    Check Digit

    Many systems add a final check digit that verifies the number’s integrity using a math rule (for cards this is often Luhn/Mod 10).

    Length & Format

    Different products use different lengths and formats. For example, most Visa/Mastercard numbers are 16 digits; American Express uses 15. Non‑card accounts (auto loans, medical, utilities) vary by institution.

    Account Number (Digits 7-15 or similar)

    These digits are assigned to uniquely identify the individual cardholder’s account within that issuing institution. 

    How to Identify the Original Creditor

    1. Check the first digits (for cards): the network and IIN/BIN can point to the bank that opened the account.
    2. Compare your letters: look at the name and address on the collection letter, charge‑off letter, or your credit report’s original creditor field.
    3. Match payment addresses: statements and payoff letters often include the original creditor’s name even after a sale.
    4. Call and confirm: provide only last‑4 digits until the party verifies details. Ask for the chain of title if the debt changed hands.
    5. Dispute inaccuracies in writing if the collector can’t validate the debt or identify the original creditor.

    We can help you validate or dispute a debt. Reach out if something doesn’t add up.

    FAQ

    Will this page tell me the exact bank?

    It can identify the type of number (e.g., a Visa card) and whether it passes a basic validity check. Exact bank identification often requires a current BIN/IIN directory and a review of your letters or credit report. Use our tips above, or contact us for a free review.

    Is it safe to paste my account number?

    Yes. Everything runs on your device. We immediately mask the number to last‑4 and do not transmit or store data.

    What if my number isn’t a credit card?

    Plenty of account numbers (auto loans, medical bills, utilities, telecom) don’t follow card rules. We’ll still normalize and analyze the length and pattern, then show next steps to identify the original creditor.

    Need help validating a debt?

    If you’re unsure who the original creditor was—or a collector can’t validate—our team can help you dispute inaccurate reports and defend collection lawsuits.

    Contact Ginsburg Law Group


    How Credit Card Companies Double-Check Numbers (The Luhn Check)

    Every credit or debit card number has a “built-in safety check.” The last digit of your card number isn’t random — it’s called a check digit. It works like a quick math test that makes sure the number wasn’t typed wrong.

    Here’s how it works (no math degree required):

    1. Write down your card number – For example:
      4417 1234 5678 9113

    2. Double every other number starting from the first one on the left.
      If doubling makes a two-digit number (like 10, 12, 18), add those digits together (so 18 becomes 1+8=9).

    3. Add everything up.
      If the total adds up to a number that ends in 0 (like 70, 80, 90), your card number “passes” the check.
      If not, it’s probably been mistyped or is fake.

    In our example, the total is 70 — so this card number is valid.

    Why This Matters

    • This quick math test catches most simple mistakes — like typing the wrong number when shopping online.

    • It doesn’t protect against fraud by itself, but it helps businesses reject numbers that don’t make sense.

    • Almost all credit cards and many ID numbers use this method.

     

    Educational only; not legal advice. For advice about your situation, contact an attorney. We never store the numbers you enter.