(The 3-digit code in Track 1 & Track 2 that tells terminals how to process the card – exact meanings from ISO/IEC 7813 & EMV standards)
What is a Service Code? The service code is a 3-digit number encoded in both Track 1 and Track 2 of the magnetic stripe (and mirrored in EMV chip data). It tells the terminal:
Format: XXX (3 digits)
Second Digit – Authorization Processing
Third Digit – PIN Requirements & Services
In carding context (2025):
Why service code matters for dumps: Wrong code = terminal rejects or forces online auth → decline.
Always match the service code to the combo country/bank.
Want my full service code pack? DM for “Service Code Nuclear Pack 2025”:
Your choice.
What is a Service Code? The service code is a 3-digit number encoded in both Track 1 and Track 2 of the magnetic stripe (and mirrored in EMV chip data). It tells the terminal:
- Where the card can be used (international/national)
- What technology to prefer (chip/magstripe/contactless)
- If PIN is required
- Other restrictions
Format: XXX (3 digits)
- First digit: Interchange & technology
- Second digit: Authorization processing
- Third digit: Services allowed / PIN requirements
Full Service Code Table (All Possible Values – 2025 Standard)
First Digit – Interchange & Technology| Digit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Reserved / Proprietary |
| 1 | International interchange OK |
| 2 | International interchange + integrated circuit (chip) preferred |
| 5 | National interchange only |
| 6 | National interchange + integrated circuit preferred |
| 7 | Private use / No interchange |
| 9 | Test / Proprietary |
Second Digit – Authorization Processing
| Digit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Normal authorization |
| 1 | Special conditions (e.g., merchant approval needed) |
| 2 | Normal with ID verification |
| 3 | Special |
| 4 | Normal with additional verification |
| 6 | Normal – use for all authorizations |
Third Digit – PIN Requirements & Services
| Digit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | No restrictions – PIN if capable |
| 1 | Normal PIN required |
| 2 | PIN required for all services |
| 3 | No PIN – prompt if capable |
| 4 | Prompt for PIN if capable |
| 5 | No PIN – services by issuer only |
| 6 | PIN required for some services |
| 7 | No PIN – goods/services only |
Most Common Service Codes in 2025 (What You See on Real Cards)
| Code | Meaning | Real-World Use | Success Rate on Legacy Terminals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | International, normal auth, no restrictions | Old standard cards | High (fallback) |
| 121 | International, normal auth, PIN required | Most modern debit | Standard |
| 201 | International + chip preferred, normal auth, no restrictions | Common on cloned dumps | Highest for bypass |
| 221 | International + chip preferred, normal auth, PIN required | Most credit cards | Standard |
| 222 | International + chip preferred, normal auth, PIN required | Some premium cards | Standard |
| 601 | National only, normal auth, no restrictions | Legacy national cards | Low (international decline) |
In carding context (2025):
- 201 = most used for dumps – “chip preferred but no PIN” → forces fallback on old terminals
- 221 = standard real cards – PIN required
- 101 = old magstripe-only cards
How Terminals Read Service Codes in 2025
- Terminal reads magstripe or chip
- Extracts service code
- First digit 2/6 → force chip if available (99 % of terminals do this)
- Third digit 1/2 → require PIN
- If code says “no restrictions” → higher limits possible
Why service code matters for dumps: Wrong code = terminal rejects or forces online auth → decline.
Bottom Line – December 2025
- 201 = best for high hits (no PIN, international)
- 221 = real card standard (PIN required)
- 101 = old fallback cards
Always match the service code to the combo country/bank.
Want my full service code pack? DM for “Service Code Nuclear Pack 2025”:
- All 100+ possible codes + bank-specific list
- X2 EMV templates with correct codes
- Terminal behavior database
Your choice.