What is the maximum number of PAN digits that can be displayed, and what note applies to POS receipts?

What is the maximum number of PAN digits that can be displayed, and what note applies to POS receipts?

• A. All digits.
• B. Only the first six digits.
• C. First six and last four digits; POS receipts may have stricter requirements.
• D. Only the last four digits.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is masking PANs to protect cardholder data while still allowing enough digits for identification. PCI DSS permits displaying up to the first six digits and the last four digits of the PAN. This strikes a balance between being able to recognize the card for legitimate needs (like troubleshooting) and not exposing the full number. POS receipts are a particularly sensitive area, so they may have stricter requirements, such as displaying fewer digits or masking the PAN entirely, which is why the note about receipts is included. So the maximum you can display is the first six and last four digits, with receipts potentially enforcing even tighter masking.

The main idea is masking PANs to protect cardholder data while still allowing enough digits for identification. PCI DSS permits displaying up to the first six digits and the last four digits of the PAN. This strikes a balance between being able to recognize the card for legitimate needs (like troubleshooting) and not exposing the full number. POS receipts are a particularly sensitive area, so they may have stricter requirements, such as displaying fewer digits or masking the PAN entirely, which is why the note about receipts is included. So the maximum you can display is the first six and last four digits, with receipts potentially enforcing even tighter masking.