ICAB allocates and registers six-digit prefixes for gift, SCN, stored-value, and vendor coupon cards — so no two programs ever issue the same number.
When every vendor picks its own numbers, cards clash — coupons misfire and gift balances cross programs. ICAB is the shared registry that keeps each six-digit prefix unique and accountable.
Your program receives a reserved six-digit prefix, drawn from unassigned space and recorded against your legal entity.
The authoritative ledger of who holds which prefix, its card type, and its status — the reference your partners can check against.
Allocated prefixes are published to the processors and point-of-sale systems you work with, so your cards are read and routed correctly.
Three parts do three jobs. ICAB governs only the first — the prefix that names the program.
Identifies the issuing program. This is the segment ICAB allocates, registers, and keeps unique across every participant.
Governed by ICABAssigned by the program to each card within its own prefix — balances, batches, and activation are the issuer's to manage.
A final check digit so a register can catch a mistyped number before it's accepted.
A defined, auditable path from first request to a prefix you can issue against.
Tell us your card type — gift, coupon, stored-value or other — and the program behind it.
Submit your entity details and projected card volume through the member portal.
ICAB checks for conflicts and confirms a clean six-digit prefix is available.
A unique prefix is reserved to your entity and written to the registry of record.
Your prefix is published to processors and point-of-sale systems, ready to issue.
Six digits give exactly one million possible prefixes. Left uncoordinated, two programs eventually pick the same one — and a coupon redeems against the wrong card. ICAB hands out each prefix once, to one accountable holder, and keeps the record so it stays that way.
Reserve your prefixAllocation is open to any program that issues numbered cards outside the bank networks. If a register has to read your card, those leading six digits should trace back to you.
Check whether a six-digit prefix is free, or have ICAB generate random available prefixes for your program. Every hold is recorded against your name and email in the registry of record.