If you work with Facebook or Google Ads, you know that payment methods are crucial. One key element is the BIN, or Bank Identification Number. Let’s break down what it is and how to use it correctly.
BIN Facts
The BIN is the first six digits of a card. It indicates:
- The issuing bank
- Card type (credit or debit)
- Country of issuance
- Sometimes even whether the card is for a personal or business account
Example: if a card starts with 123456, you can immediately tell which bank issued it and where it’s located.
Why BIN Matters for Affiliates
For an affiliate, the BIN is like a card’s passport. A trusted BIN reduces the risk of account bans due to Risk Payment checks. Platforms like Facebook and Google carefully monitor cards to ensure ad spend is paid legitimately.
For instance, in FB Ads, acquiring often goes through Stripe. The “stronger” the BIN, the fewer issues with card linking and anti-fraud checks. In short, a reliable payment method = less hassle.
How to Check a Card’s BIN
There are online BIN checkers where you can enter the first six digits to quickly see:
- Country of issuance
- Card type (debit or credit)
- Brand (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx)
- Issuing bank
This allows you to instantly check whether a card is suitable for advertising purposes.
Risks of Using Dubious BINs
- Account blocks: if the card’s country doesn’t match your account’s region, Facebook may flag it.
- Extra checks: platforms might require additional verification if the BIN looks suspicious.