Last Updated on 07/08/2017 by GS Staff
[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”Q:” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color”][/otw_shortcode_dropcap] How many numbers does an American Express card have?
[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”A:” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color”][/otw_shortcode_dropcap] An American Express card contains 15-digits. The typical Visa or MasterCard contains 16-digits for their credit card numbers.
You can identify an American Express by looking solely at the card number. An American Express card number will always begin with the digits 34 or 37. The third number identifies which American Express card you hold. The fourth number tells you the currency of the card. Digits five to eleven are the account number. Twelve to fourteen are the account number within that account. Finally, fifteen is the check digit. The check digit helps ensure that you enter the correct numbers when done so manually.
American Express is technically considered a travel and entertainment (T&E) card, while Visa and MasterCard are bank/financial cards. T&E cards are commonly given to employees as they travel for business so that they do not have to use their own credit card for expenses. The employer then pays the bill at the end of the month. Of course, American Express expands beyond just being a card for employee usage.
So there are fifteen digits on an American Express card and they all have a purpose. If you come across an American Express card that does not have fifteen digits or does not start with 34 or 37 you should look into its validity.
