Skip to main content
Return to home
Publisher Logo: Click to return to the browse pagePublisher Logo: Click to return to the browse page
  • Home
  • Projects
  • About
  • Learn
Projects

The Secret Algorithm in Your Credit Card Number

Resource added December, 2019
  • type
    Video
  • created on
    December 15, 2019
  • creator
    Concerning Reality
  • type
    Video
  • created on
    December 15, 2019
  • creator
    Concerning Reality
Chances are you have a credit card in your wallet. On the front is usually your name, some other information like your bank and the card carrier like Visa, MasterCard, etc., and a string of 16, 15, 0r 14 digits. These digits vary from card to card and they're enough for merchants to transact business with your bank on your behalf. However, this string of numbers isn't random, in fact, there's a secret code in there that validates your card and keeps it safe, all in the number structure.

It's a low-tech mathematical algorithm called the Luhn Formula. Invented by Hans Peter Luhn in 1954, this mathematical tool actually dates back to before the existence of credit cards. Even with that fact, it's included in every credit, debit, and ATM card on earth – and it also makes for a mind-blowing bar trick if people don't know it.

Full Description

Chances are you have a credit card in your wallet. On the front is usually your name, some other information like your bank and the card carrier like Visa, MasterCard, etc., and a string of 16, 15, 0r 14 digits. These digits vary from card to card and they're enough for merchants to transact business with your bank on your behalf. However, this string of numbers isn't random, in fact, there's a secret code in there that validates your card and keeps it safe, all in the number structure.

It's a low-tech mathematical algorithm called the Luhn Formula. Invented by Hans Peter Luhn in 1954, this mathematical tool actually dates back to before the existence of credit cards. Even with that fact, it's included in every credit, debit, and ATM card on earth – and it also makes for a mind-blowing bar trick if people don't know it.

Add Comment

Back to Project Resources
Press Site
    • Log In
    • Projects
    • Home
    • About
    • Email
    • Twitter
    • Log In
    • Projects
    • Home
    • About
    • Email
    • Twitter
Powered by Manifold