When an online payment or last-minute booking feels slightly out of the ordinary, having a quick way to double-check card details gives you peace of mind.
A BIN list (or Bank Identification Number list) is a free, simple tool that reveals key details about a payment card - such as the issuing bank and the country the card comes from. Comparing these details against your guest's booking profile helps you spot potential red flags before check-in and protect your property from card fraud.
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to run a card check in NightsBridge:
What is a BIN?
Every payment card starts with a Bank Identification Number (BIN). These are the first 6 digits of a card, which identify the specific bank and country that issued it.
When should you run a BIN check?
While you can check any card if you wish, running a BIN check is especially worthwhile whenever:
- A booking comes in at the very last minute or for a same-day arrival.
- A guest makes an unusually large booking or places multiple rapid transactions.
- The contact details or guest profile feel inconsistent.
How to check a credit card on a BIN list
Step 1: Find the first 6 digits of the card
To protect your guests' privacy, full card numbers are never stored in plain text. However, you can easily find the digits you need for a BIN lookup:
- Open the payment confirmation email sent to you by NightsBridge Pay when the transaction was completed.
- Locate the masked card number—this email displays the first 6 digits of the card used
Step 2: Open your Card Checker
On your Home screen, click on Payments & Invoices.
Click the Card Checker button. The BIN lookup tool (binlist.net) will automatically open in a new tab in your web browse
Step 3: Run the lookup
- Type the first 6 digits of the card into the search field.
- Click Lookup.
The tool will display the card’s details, including the card brand (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), card type (Debit or Credit), issuing bank, and the country of issue.
Step 4: Compare the details with your guest's booking
Look closely at the country of issue shown on the BIN results and compare it with the details provided by your guest:
- Does the country of issue align with where your guest lives, their passport or ID country, or the dialling code of their phone number?
- For instance, if a local domestic guest checks in with a South African ID and local phone number, but the card was issued by a foreign bank in another continent without an obvious reason, it is worth looking into more closely.
What to do if the card details look inconsistent
If the country of issue doesn't match your guest's information, the card may be compromised or stolen—though this isn't always the case (for example, expats or frequent business travellers often carry foreign bank cards).
If you suspect a transaction may be fraudulent:
- Stay calm and discreet: There is no need to panic or tell the guest that you ran a card check.
- Request an alternative payment method: Simply explain that your card facility was unable to clear the online transaction and that the payment will be reversed, so they will need to settle their account via direct EFT or on-site payment upon arrival.
- Ask for proof of identity on check-in: Always request to see the guest's physical ID or passport and the physical payment card when they arrive at your reception.