Valid card numbers...

[TraceyHand]

From what source does Actinic get it's "knowledge" of what is a valid card number?
I assume that somewhere it has a database of the first 4 digits cross-matched with card types?
If so, then someone needs to tell it that a VISA card *CAN* start with 4263 because it tried to tell me it couldn't!!
Anyone know where this information (valid card numbers) is drawn from?
Cheers
Tracey

[magicalwonders]

Hello Tracy,

As far as I know, Actinic uses a mathematical calculation to determine if a credit card number is valid. The calculation cannot determine if the number actually exists or not, only that it conforms to a number that could be issued by a card company.

The only way to check if a card is real is to carry out a CV2 check, which uses the last digits on the back of the card. The card companies charge extra for this. About £10 a month which also includes address verification.

The code 10 check is not supposed to be used for CNP transactions.

Hope this helps.

Myles

[TraceyHand]

Hi Myles
Thanks for your reply.
Thng is, I *KNOW* this card number IS a valid Visa number because Protx had no problem with it.
CV2 matched fine etc
I didn't have a problem with the card number itself, I just wondered what made Actinic think it wasn't a valid number when it clearly is!
I know it doesn't "check" the card mumber itself, I wondered if there was some sort of databse for the frist 4 digits or something that could cross-match card type and start of card number (would be a useful database to have, tbh, esp if it included issuing bank alongisde card type. i.e. Halifax Visa Debit..)
Thanks anyway
Tracey