Maestro Global Rules (PDF) - MasterCard

Issuing
6.2 Card Standards and Specifications
Any Issuer that allows any new Cardbase access to the Interchange System must
use a prefix number, as defined in Rule 6.2.1.3 of the Rules. New Cardbases
that do not fully comply with Rule 6.2.1.3 must be replaced by fully compliant
Cards within nine (9) months of the date on which such Cardbase first had
access to the Interchange System.
The physical characteristics of Cards must be consistent with both:
1. ISO 7810 Identification cards—physical characteristics; and
2. ISO 7813 Identification cards—financial transaction cards.
6.2.1 Encoding Standards
Each Card must have a magnetic stripe. It is strongly recommended that Issuers
use a high coercivity magnetic stripe that is consistent with ISO 7811/6.
The magnetic stripe characteristics must be consistent with:
1. ISO 7811/2 LoCo Magnetic stripes;
2. ISO 7811/4 Location of Magnetic track 1 and 2;
3. ISO 7811/5 Location of Magnetic track 3;
4. ISO 7812/1 and 7812/2 Identification cards—Numbering system and
registration procedure for issuer identifiers.
6.2.1.1 Track 1
Issuers are strongly recommended to encode track 1. If track 1 is encoded, it
must comply with the Rules and ISO 7813.
Issuers are advised that the encoding of track 1 may be required by the
Corporation, for other uses in the industry (POS), at some future date.
Track 1 must not be used for authorization purposes.
6.2.1.2 Track 2 Format
Issuers must encode track 2 data in full compliance with ISO 7813, and the
encoding specifications as detailed in Appendix B, “Technical Specifications.”
The following minimum data must be encoded on track 2 of a Card:
1. start sentinel
2. primary account number
3. field separator
4. expiration date
5. service code
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Maestro Global Rules • 9 November 2012 6-3