What is BIN Sponsoring

What is a BIN?

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A Bank Identification Number (BIN) is the first 6 to 8 digits of a payment card, assigned by networks like Visa and Mastercard. It identifies the issuing bank and plays a critical role in:

• Transaction routing – Ensures payments are processed by the correct financial institution.
• Fraud prevention – Helps verify cardholder details and detect suspicious activity.
• Global acceptance – Enables cards to function across international payment networks.

For example, in the card number 4539 1234 5678 9101, the BIN is 453912, linking the card to its issuer and type. Without a BIN, businesses cannot issue cards, process payments, or integrate with global payment networks.

Partnering with a BIN sponsor gives businesses access to this essential infrastructure without the complexity of obtaining one directly.

How does BIN sponsorship work?

BIN Sponsorship provides businesses with access to a licensed BIN and the regulatory framework needed to issue payment cards. Instead of managing compliance and scheme approvals, fintechs and corporates can focus on building their card programmes while their BIN sponsor handles the banking infrastructure.

The key players in BIN sponsorship

• BIN sponsor – A licensed financial institution that provides access to its BIN range and ensures compliance with regulations and scheme membership (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay).
• Card programme owner – The fintech, corporate, or payment provider that issues branded debit, credit, or prepaid cards using the sponsor’s BIN.
• Issuer processor (like Paymentology) – Handles real-time transaction processing, spend controls, and card lifecycle management.
• Payment networks – The programme connects to networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, enabling domestic and cross-border transactions.

Why It Works

By leveraging a licensed financial institution’s existing approvals and infrastructure, BIN Sponsorship removes regulatory obstacles, speeds up time to market, and enables businesses to issue cards with minimal complexity and maximum flexibility.

Who needs BIN sponsorship?

BIN Sponsorship is essential for businesses that want to issue payment cards without securing a banking licence. It is widely used by:

• Fintechs & neobanks – Digital-first banks and financial platforms that require access to card issuance without direct scheme membership.
• Corporate expense & payroll platforms – Businesses issuing branded cards for employee expenses, payroll disbursements, and corporate spending.
• BNPL & alternative lenders – Companies offering instalment-based lending or virtual credit solutions via branded payment cards.
• Marketplaces & gig economy platforms – Platforms that need instant, flexible payouts to freelancers, sellers, or service providers.
• Loyalty & rewards programmes – Brands integrating payment cards into customer incentives, cashback, and rewards ecosystems.

With BIN Sponsorship, these businesses can issue cards faster, reduce regulatory hurdles, and scale globally, while focusing on their core offering and customer experience.