American Express cards typically start with which number?

American Express cards typically start with the number 3. This is significant in the payment card industry as it helps differentiate American Express from other card networks. The first digit of a card number is known as the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) or Bank Identification Number (BIN), and it identifies the card issuer.

For instance, Visa cards begin with the number 4, while MasterCard cards start with numbers ranging from 51 to 55 or, more recently, with a 2 as they expand their numbering system. The fact that American Express starts with a 3 is essential for merchants and payment processors to recognize and correctly process transactions involving American Express cards. Understanding the initial digit of card numbers assists in detecting card types and ensuring that transactions are routed appropriately. This knowledge is vital for professionals in the payments industry, especially for those preparing for the ETA Certified Payments Professional certification.