Your credit card PIN is a four-digit code that proves you own the card when you use it at an ATM or in person at a store
A PIN (personal identification number) works like a password for your physical card. When you insert your card into an ATM or a chip reader at checkout, the PIN confirms that you — not someone who stole the card — are authorizing the transaction. Without it, a thief with your card number alone cannot withdraw cash or complete a purchase that requires a PIN.
The PIN is separate from your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). Someone could have all three of those and still not be able to use your card at an ATM or at a store that requires a PIN entry. This is why setting a PIN and keeping it private matters for your account security.
Key Takeaways
- Your credit card PIN is a four-digit code you create or receive from your card issuer, used to verify your identity at ATMs and in-store terminals.
- You can set your own PIN through your card issuer's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service — most issuers let you choose any four digits you want.
- A PIN protects you at ATMs and chip readers, but online purchases and contactless payments do not require one.
- If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through your card issuer's app or website in minutes, or call the number on the back of your card.
- Never share your PIN with anyone, including bank employees or customer service representatives — legitimate staff will never ask for it.
How to set or change your credit card PIN
Most card issuers let you set your PIN yourself when you first receive your card. You can do this through your card's mobile app, the issuer's website, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. The process usually takes less than five minutes.
When you create a PIN, choose four digits that are not obvious — avoid your birth year, sequential numbers like 1234, or repeating digits like 5555. Write it down somewhere find (not on the card itself), or store it in a password manager if you use one. If your card issuer assigned you a PIN instead of letting you choose one, you can almost always change it to something you will remember.
If you already have a card and want to change your PIN, log into your card issuer's app or website, look for "PIN" or "Security" settings, and follow the prompts. You can change it as often as you want, and the new PIN usually takes effect when ready or within a few hours.
Where you need your PIN and where you don't
You need your PIN at ATMs when you withdraw cash or check your balance. You also need it at in-store checkout terminals when you insert your card into a chip reader — the cashier will ask you to enter your PIN instead of signing a receipt. Some stores let you choose "credit" instead of "debit" at checkout, which may not require a PIN, but using the PIN option adds a layer of security.
You do not need a PIN for online purchases, phone orders, or mail orders. You also do not need it for contactless payments (tapping your card or phone at a reader) or for swiping your card at older terminals without a chip reader. These transactions use your card number and CVV instead. This is why keeping your card number and CVV private is also important — they can be used without your PIN in those situations.
What to do if you forget your PIN
If you forget your PIN, you can reset it when ready through your card issuer's app or website. Look for "PIN" or "Security" in the settings menu, and follow the prompts to create a new one. Most issuers do not charge a fee for this.
If you cannot reset it online, call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your card number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account. Once verified, they can issue you a temporary PIN or let you set a new one over the phone. This usually takes a few minutes.
Until you reset your PIN, you will not be able to use your card at ATMs or at chip readers that require PIN entry. You can still use it for online purchases or at stores that accept contactless or swipe payments.
PIN security and what not to do
Never share your PIN with anyone — not your spouse, not your friend, not a bank employee, and not a customer service representative. Legitimate staff at your card issuer will never ask for your PIN. If someone calls or texts claiming to be from your bank and asks for your PIN, hang up and call the number on the back of your card instead.
Do not write your PIN on your card, on a sticky note near your computer, or anywhere else someone could find it. Do not use a PIN that is straightforward to guess, like your address or phone number. Do not enter your PIN on a website — PINs are only for ATMs and in-person terminals.
If you think someone knows your PIN or has used your card without permission, contact your card issuer right away. Most card companies have fraud protection that limits your liability for unauthorized charges, but reporting it quickly protects you. You can also request a new card with a new PIN.
How a PIN differs from other card security features
Your PIN is one layer of security, but it is not the only one. Your card number and CVV protect you for online and phone purchases. Your signature (on older cards) or chip technology protects you at stores. Your card issuer also monitors for unusual activity and can flag suspicious transactions.
If your card is lost or stolen, you can freeze or cancel it when ready through your issuer's app or website, or by calling customer service. This stops anyone from using the card, even if they know your PIN. Many issuers also let you set spending limits or turn off certain types of transactions (like international purchases) through your app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use my credit card if they know my PIN but not my card number?
No. A PIN alone is not enough — someone would need the physical card or your card number to make a purchase. The PIN only works when combined with the card itself at an ATM or chip reader, or with your full card number at a terminal that requests it.
Is my PIN the same as my online banking password?
No. Your PIN is for in-person and ATM transactions only. Your online banking password is separate and protects your account when you log into your card issuer's website or app. Never use the same PIN as your password, and never enter your PIN on a website.
What happens if I enter my PIN wrong three times?
Most ATMs and card readers will block your card temporarily after three wrong PIN entries. This is a security feature to prevent someone from guessing your PIN. Wait a few hours or contact your card issuer to unlock it, or request a new card.
Do I need a PIN for a debit card and a credit card?
Yes, both types of cards can have PINs. A debit card PIN protects your bank account directly. A credit card PIN protects your credit line. They are separate codes and work the same way — you set them through your issuer's app or website.
Can my card issuer change my PIN without asking me?
No. Your card issuer can issue you a temporary PIN if you request one, but they cannot change your PIN without your permission. If you receive a notice that your PIN has changed, contact your issuer when ready — it may be a sign of fraud.