PAN Definition.
Primary Account Number: the card number, 12 to 19 digits long (usually 16), made up of the BIN, the account identifier, and a Luhn check digit. It is the most sensitive data element in the card ecosystem and the focus of PCI DSS requirements. The long-term trend is to stop handling it in the clear altogether and use tokens instead.
See also
Where this term appears
GuideThe four-party modelGuideThe role of banksGuideMerchant, acquirer, PSPGuidePayment schemesGuidePayment regulationGuideCentral banks and payment infrastructuresGuidePayments in GermanyGuidePayments in AustriaGuidePayments in the BalkansGuidePayments in the Baltics and FinlandGuidePayments in the Netherlands and BelgiumGuideProtecting customer funds, and what happens when the institution fails