A PAN Card is one of the most important financial as well as identification documents for Indian citizens. The PAN card provides essential information about the cardholder, including their name, a 10-digit PAN, a photo, and their birthdate. It also features a helpful QR code. The barcode on the PAN card stores information about the holder's name and biometric details. 

These new PAN cards with the QR codes have been released from 7 July 2018.  

What is the Barcode on a PAN Card? 

The barcode on a PAN card is a series of black bars and spaces that are used to store information about the cardholder. This information includes the PAN number, the cardholder's name, and their date of birth. 

How Does the PAN Card Barcode Work? 

A barcode reader scans a barcode. The reader decodes the information stored in the barcode. This information is used to check who the cardholder is and to get their financial information. 

Why is the Barcode on a PAN Card Important? 

The barcode on a PAN card is important for several reasons: 

  • Speed and accuracy: Scanning a barcode is a quick and accurate way to verify a PAN card. 

  • Security: The barcode can help to prevent fraud by making it difficult to create a fake copy or alter a PAN card. 

  • Efficiency: The barcode simplifies financial dealings by verifying identities without manual effort. 

How to Read the PAN Card Barcode? 

A certified QR code reader is required to scan the Enhanced QR code on your PAN card with your phone. Get the PAN QR Code Reader app from the Play Store. Then, use your phone's camera (a good one with 12MP or higher) to scan the QR code. All the information from your PAN card will be visible on the app. 

Other recommended apps include Enhance QR Code Reader and Dynamsoft's Online Barcode Scanner. 

The barcode on a PAN card is a helpful addition that makes it easier to verify the cardholder's information quickly and securely. The barcode provides easy access to the holder's name, birthdate, and PAN. This feature streamlines various financial processes and helps prevent fraud, making the PAN card even more valuable for Indian citizens.