Visa Inc.
Systems and methods for creating subtokens using primary tokens

Abstract:

According to one embodiment of the invention, a subtoken corresponding to a primary token is generated. The primary token corresponds to a credential. The credential may be, for example, a primary account number (PAN) corresponding to a payment account. The subtoken may be a temporary, one-time use subtoken based on a primary token associated with the credential that allows a user to conduct a transaction from his or her account, while still providing security for the user's sensitive data. The subtoken may contain a header and an obfuscated portion. The header of the subtoken routes the subtoken to the entity issuing the subtoken for translation into the primary token. The obfuscated portion acts as a pointer to the primary token and data associated with the primary token. A same check digit may be included in the subtoken, the primary token, and the credential, in order to ensure that the transaction is not improperly denied.