Is there any way to tell based on the account number?
Thanks.

Each card issuer has a block of numbers, so usually the first 8 are the same for all cards they issue. But the only real way to verify is use a card checking service. You can subscribe to one by contacting Visa and Master Card etc. That's how on line orders work. When you submit your card its matched against a database.

I do have merchant accounts. The reason for asking is that I am filing for judgment against a former tenant who, in the past, paid by credit card. If the credit card number is attached to a bank account, then I'd pursue an attachment of that account. If the credit card number is to a "normal" Visa or MasterCard, then I know that I cannot "attach" it.

So are you saying that a "card checking service" can tell me whether the Visa or MasterCard credit card number that I have is a) a "normal" credit card, or b) a Check/Debit Card?

Hello Rick:

Even IF the card checking service can tell you if it's a debit card, they won't identify the bank or account number.

However, the card itself should name the bank that issued it. Did you photocopy the card? I doubt you'll have to name the specific account number in order to seize it. Just saying the account is located in such and such bank SHOULD be enough to levy upon it.

If this post was in the real estate forum, I'd admonish you for not having every scrap of financial information about your tenants. But, it isn't, so I won't.

excon