We are currently in the process of obtaining a license to become a bank in Illinois and need to know how to obtain a BIN number. I was told that we need to purchase a BIN number so we can issue debit cards. Any help on who I contact for this would be greatly appreciated.

Contact either MasterCard or Visa. Depending which debit product you intend to issue. You should be able to find the contact information on their Web sites.

Thank you. I had looked on their site but didn't see the info. Possibly I just overlooked it.

I haven't been on their site for a long time but start here:

MC

St. Louis
OPERATIONS CENTER
2200 MasterCard Blvd
O’Fallon, MO 63368+7263 U.S.A
Telephone: 636.722.6100


I didn't find any such listing on Visa's Web site.

Your EFT processor should be able to help you with this. Especially for a new bank - you might not go directly through Visa due to costs (you might go through ICBA or another group). Once you contract with your EFT processor, they will be able to get all the agreements for you and help you through the process.