Why do vendors ask for credit card type?

Question

When you order something online or over the phone, vendors often ask whether it is a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, etc. This information is encoded in the card number itself and there is no need to ask for it (especially in the case of M/C vs. Visa). Why do they ask for it anyway? Is it just to double-check that you are using an accepted credit card (which they'd find out soon enough anyway)? Is it a mindless procedure or is there a solid reason for it?

Answer 1

There are a few of reasons vendors ask for CC type including security. They want to make sure you're not just pulling the number from some random piece of paper found somewhere. I addition to that, since many vendors usually work with certain software programs that require a credit card type before the number, name, and expiration date actually appears on the screen. My guess for that is the software needs to recognize which additional security fields will be displayed for the corresponding card type.

Answer 2

Many vendors do not accept specific credit cards because of cost factor to their company. Altho they may be able to process your credit card w/o the no on back of your card, it is primarily a double check of legitimacy. There is so much identity theft (which I was once), it is a part of the security process.
Also vendors have a credit card systems which might not accept a specific card. Perhaps asking a bank or vendor the reason might be helpful to you. My past life was commercial credit manager, not consumer, and the laws are different . Your card could be recognized and acceptable for the vendor but if it was fraudulently stolen, only the consumer upon reviewing the billing can recognize if it is theirs. Wish I could help more, but credit card companies are doing everything possible to protect their interests and I am sure each on has their ajenda.

Answer 3

It makes it easier to process, but it's easy to determine by looking at the account number; anything that's 15 digits and starts with a "3" is AMEX (now issued through AMEX, or through MBNA, the last 3 will differentiate them, ... 00X is AMEX, the MBNA can have any last three), starts with a "4" is VISA (16 digits), "5" is MasterCard (16 digits), "6011" is Discover (16 digits), lots of other companies use the "6035" prefix, for in store cards like the Wal*Mart card before they attached to the Discover Network, and got "6011 31.."

Answer 4

to see if you're using an accpeted card. by that point your already making the purchase and if you whip out a card that they don't take, you probably won't buy it and they'll lose the sale. preemptive headache medicine. worked in sales and lots of times, for whatever reason, had sales almost done but they come up with a Amex or diners club or something like that we didn't take and lose the sale. probably for record keeping puropses too. I know each "brand" of card has different methods for payment and such. that might be why. often wondered that myself actually.

Answer 5

when the card is not present (online or tele) the software will not accept the number unless the pulldown screen is filled with the CC. It makes the processing easier for the company

Answer 6

by no ability, by no ability by no ability supply any guidance previous what's mandatory to end a credit card transaction. If the positioning asks for greater guidance, call your credit card corporation and do each little thing you are able to to cancel the transaction. Then e mail the positioning and tell them the place they might stick it. by no ability take care of them back