# Redact Credit Card Numbers from PDFs

> Luhn-validated detection of Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and other PAN formats — across digital and scanned documents.

**Try it:** https://www.redact-pdf.ai/sign-up
**See pricing:** https://www.redact-pdf.ai/pricing

## Credit cards and PCI-DSS

A primary account number (PAN) on a credit card is highly regulated under PCI-DSS. Storing or sharing PANs outside a PCI-compliant environment can trigger contractual penalties from card networks and trigger breach-notification obligations.

## When to mask credit card numbers

Any document containing a full PAN that is shared, archived outside scope, or attached to an email should have the PAN redacted — typically leaving only the last 4 digits visible if needed.

- Receipts and expense reports
- Cardholder dispute documentation
- Audit and reconciliation packets
- Customer support transcripts and email exports

## Luhn algorithm validation

Every potential card number is validated using the Luhn checksum before being flagged. This dramatically reduces false positives on similar 13–19 digit strings (account references, order numbers).

## How it works

1. **Upload receipts, statements, or transcripts** — Batch processing supported — handle hundreds of files at once.
2. **Select "CreditCard" detection** — Combine with Name, Email, Phone, and Address categories.
3. **Studio review** — Verify detections page-by-page. Add manual masks for any handwritten card numbers.
4. **Download the redacted PDF** — Card numbers are permanently rasterized over.

## For finance and operations teams

Operational receipts and expense documentation often contain PANs that should never leave your PCI-DSS boundary. Redact them in bulk before archiving.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does it support Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover?

Yes. All major PAN formats (13, 15, 16, 19 digits) are validated via Luhn.

### Can I keep the last 4 digits visible (PCI-style)?

Not automatically — the full detection is masked. For a "last 4 visible" pattern, post-process the redacted output manually.

### Will it false-positive on long invoice numbers?

Luhn validation eliminates most false positives, but very occasionally a random 16-digit number passes Luhn. Studio review catches these.

## Related guides

- https://www.redact-pdf.ai/redact/iban-from-pdf.md
- https://www.redact-pdf.ai/redact/names-from-pdf.md

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Primary keyword: redact credit card numbers from PDF
Audience: finance, accounting

Built on Microsoft Azure infrastructure (SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, HIPAA-eligible) with Swiss / EU data residency. Documents are never used to train AI models.