Debit cards require a personal identification number, or PIN, to use for debit purchases. Although you can use debit cards as credit and bypass the need to use a PIN, you must enter your PIN to withdraw money from an ATM machine. Requesting a new PIN or losing a PIN number is not an uncommon occurrence, and many banks have ATMs and dedicated customer service departments to help issue you another PIN number.
Change Your PIN Number
Visit your bank’s ATM and insert your debit card into the machine. Enter your PIN number and press the “Continue” button. Select the “More options.” The exact wording will vary for each ATM machine.
Select “PIN Change.” Follow the on-screen guide, such as entering your current PIN and any other personal information to confirm your identity.
Enter your new PIN in the provided space. You may have enter it twice to confirm the new number. Press the “OK” or “Confirm” button. Select either to continue on with a transaction or end your session. Remove your card from the ATM.
Request a New PIN Number If You Lost the Old PIN
Call your bank’s customer service number. You can find the number on your bank’s website.
Listen to the available options and opt to speak with a customer service representative.
Tell the customer service representative that you need a new PIN number. The customer service representative will ask you numerous questions to confirm your identity, such as your bank account number, your name, address, Social Security number and bank card. You will be issued either a new PIN on the current debit card or a new debit card and PIN number altogether after your identity is confirmed.
Tips
If you belong to a small bank or credit union that does not have a customer service department, try calling the bank branch directly. They may direct you to call a different number, such as MasterCard or Visa, to change or request a new PIN number.
Not all bank ATMs can change your PIN number. You may have to call the bank or customer service department if your bank’s ATM does not.
Tips
- If you belong to a small bank or credit union that does not have a customer service department, try calling the bank branch directly. They may direct you to call a different number, such as MasterCard or Visa, to change or request a new PIN number.
- Not all bank ATMs can change your PIN number. You may have to call the bank or customer service department if your bank's ATM does not.
Writer Bio
Located in Pittsburgh, Chris Miksen has been writing instructional articles on a wide range of topics for online publications since 2007. He currently owns and operates a vending business. Miksen has written a variety of technical and business articles throughout his writing career. He studied journalism at the Community College of Allegheny County.