BIN Routing - The Smarter Way to Maximize Every Payment

BIN Routing- smart payment routing technology from Apaya.

Ever wondered why some payment providers excel with international cards but struggle with local ones? Or why certain transactions cost more, even when they shouldn’t? 

The answer often lies in how payments are routed. And that’s where BIN Routing comes in. 

What Is BIN Routing? 

BIN Routing is a smart payment technology that automatically directs each card transaction to the optimal payment processor based on the first 6–8 digits of a card number, known as the Bank Identification Number (BIN). 

These first few digits aren’t random. They reveal crucial information about the card, including: 

• Issuing bank 

• Card type (credit, debit, prepaid, etc.) 

• Country of issuance 

• Payment network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) 

  
  

With this information, Apaya’s BIN Routing can instantly decide the best processor for every transaction, whether the card is local or international. 

Why BIN Routing Matters 

The payment landscape is complex. Domestic processors often offer lower fees and higher approval rates for local cards, but may reject or overcharge international transactions. Conversely, global providers are optimized for cross-border payments but can cost more for local traffic. 

Traditionally, merchants had to choose one provider or manually build complex routing logic, both costly and time-consuming. BIN Routing eliminates this trade-off by doing the work automatically and in real time. 

The Apaya Advantage

Apaya’s BIN Routing feature takes this concept further with a low-code, intelligent solution that’s simple to activate and powerful enough to optimize payments at scale. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Automatic detection – Apaya reads the BIN data to identify whether a card is local or international.   

   
   

2. Smart routing – Each transaction is sent to the payment provider best suited for that card type. 

   
   

3. Zero manual setup – Configure in minutes using Apaya’s low-code studio, with no extra integrations required. 

   
   

   The result?

• Higher acceptance rates globally – Match every card to the processor most likely to approve it. 

  
  

• Lower transaction fees – Route local cards through domestic specialists who charge less. 

  
  

• Faster checkout – A seamless customer experience with fewer declines and retries. 

Local vs. International Cards: The Key Difference 

Let’s break it down. 

• Local cards are issued by banks in the same country as the merchant. Domestic processors often charge lower interchange fees and offer higher approval rates for these cards. 

  
  

• International cards are issued outside the merchant’s country. They require global gateways that can handle cross-border regulations and currency conversions, but these providers usually charge more. 

  
  

Apaya’s BIN Routing ensures each card goes to the right processor every time. Local customers enjoy smooth, cost-effective payments, while international visitors get routed to global providers optimized for cross-border success, all without merchants lifting a finger. 

The Business Impact 

For merchants, the benefits are immediate and measurable: 

• Increased acceptance rates – More approved transactions mean more revenue. 

• Lower fees – Reduced costs on domestic payments can significantly improve margins. 

• Less development time – No need to build complex routing rules or manage multiple integrations. 

• Better customer experience – Customers simply see a payment that works, wherever they are. 

Ready to See BIN Routing in Action?

Whether you’re focused on penetrating local markets, scaling globally, or both, this feature ensures every payment is routed for maximum performance and minimum cost. 

Book a demo today to discover how Apaya can optimize your entire payment stack in minutes.