15
Keyboard Manual
Track 2
The recording density of Track 2 is defined as 75 bits per inch.
The character configuration (encoding) is 4 bits plus 1 parity (odd)
bit, which yields 16 unique characters (10
numeric
digits plus 6
symbolic characters :;<=>?).
The maximum information content, defined by the American Bankers
Association (ABA), is 40 characters arranged in the format below.
; PAN
=
CC
DATE SC
PVV
DD
? LRC
Longitudinal Redundency Check
- 1 check character
LRC
End Sentinel
- 1 character - always “?” for all tracks
?
Discretionary Data
- additional characters to fill out
maximum record length
DD
PIN Verification Value
- 0 to 5 digits
PVV
Service Code
- 3 digits - defines transaction requirements
SC
Expiration Date
- 4 digits - YYMM format
DATE
Country Code
- 3 digits (only for MasterCard)
CC
Separator
- 1 character - always “=” for Track 2
=
Primary Account Number
- up to 19 digits
PAN
Start Sentinel
- 1 character - always “;” for Track 2
;
Following is track 2 output and an explanation of the components.
;987654321012300=05121208967428?
