Your PIN is usually set by you, not sent to you by the card issuer
When you get a new credit card, the card company does not assign you a PIN or mail one to you. Instead, you create your own PIN — usually a four-digit number — either when you first use the card at an ATM or through your card issuer's website or app. If you have forgotten the PIN you set, you will need to reset it rather than look it up.
The process for resetting your PIN depends on which card issuer you use and whether you are trying to use the card at an ATM or in a store. Some issuers let you reset it when ready online; others require a phone call or a visit to a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card PINs are created by you, not assigned by your bank, so there is no "original" PIN to find if you forget it.
- You can reset your PIN through your card issuer's website or mobile app in most cases, usually within minutes.
- If you cannot reset it online, call the customer service number on the back of your card to request a PIN reset by phone.
- You will need to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions or providing your Social Security number — before the issuer will let you change your PIN.
- ATM PINs and in-store PINs (for chip readers) are separate; resetting one does not reset the other.
Reset your PIN through your card issuer's website or app
Most major card issuers — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and most bank-issued cards — let you reset your PIN online without calling. Log into your account on the issuer's website or open their mobile app, then look for a section labeled "Card Settings," "Manage Your Card," "Security," or "PIN Management."
Once you find that section, you will be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions you set up when you opened the account, or by confirming your Social Security number or date of birth. After verification, you can create a new four-digit PIN. The new PIN usually takes effect when ready, though some issuers may take a few minutes to process it.
If you cannot find the PIN reset option on your issuer's website, check their help or FAQ section — the exact location and name of this feature varies by bank. You can also search the site for "PIN" or "reset PIN" to find the right page.
Call your card issuer to reset your PIN by phone
If you cannot reset your PIN online or prefer to do it over the phone, call the customer service number printed on the back of your credit card. Tell the representative that you need to reset your PIN.
The representative will ask you to verify your identity — typically by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions. Once you are verified, they will either let you create a new PIN over the phone right then, or they will send you a temporary PIN by mail that you can change the next time you use an ATM.
The phone line is usually available 24 hours a day. If you are calling from outside the United States, check your card's website first for the international customer service number, as it may be different from the domestic number.
Understand the difference between ATM PINs and chip reader PINs
Credit cards use PINs in two different places: at ATMs when you withdraw cash, and at point-of-sale chip readers in stores when you pay with your card. These are the same PIN — you set one number and it works in both places.
However, some older cards or cards from smaller banks may only support one or the other. If you are trying to use your PIN at a store and it is not working, the card may not be set up for in-store PIN use. In that case, you would use your signature or a contactless payment method instead. Call your issuer to confirm whether your card supports PIN entry at the register.
What to do if you never set a PIN in the first place
If you have never created a PIN for your card and you need one now — for example, because you want to withdraw cash at an ATM — you can set one up the same way you would reset one. Go to your issuer's website or app, find the PIN management section, and create a new four-digit number. You can also call customer service and ask them to help you set up a PIN.
Some card issuers require you to set a PIN before you can use the card at an ATM, while others let you use the card without one. If you are not sure whether your card has a PIN, try using it at an ATM — if it asks for a PIN and you do not have one, you will get an error message and can then set one up online or by phone.
Verify your identity before resetting your PIN
Card issuers will not let you reset your PIN without proving you are the cardholder. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from changing your PIN if they get access to your account.
You will typically be asked to provide one or more of the following: your Social Security number, your date of birth, answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account, or a code sent to your phone or email. If you cannot answer the security questions because you do not remember them, tell the representative — they may be able to use other methods to verify you, or they may ask you to visit a branch in person with a photo ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my credit card without a PIN?
Yes. You can use your credit card by signing a receipt or using contactless payment (tap or mobile wallet) in most stores. A PIN is only required if you want to withdraw cash at an ATM or if a specific store requires PIN entry for security reasons.
What if I forget my PIN right after I set it?
You can reset it when ready using the same method you used to set it — through your issuer's website, app, or by calling customer service. There is no waiting period or limit on how many times you can change your PIN.
Is my credit card PIN the same as my online banking password?
No. Your PIN is a separate four-digit number used only for ATMs and chip readers. Your online banking password is what you use to log into your account on the issuer's website. They are not connected, and changing one does not affect the other.
What if my card issuer does not have a website or app?
Smaller banks and credit unions may not offer online PIN reset. In that case, call the customer service number on your card and ask the representative to help you set or reset your PIN over the phone. They can usually do this in a few minutes.
Can someone else reset my PIN if they have my card?
No. To reset a PIN online, they would need to log into your account, which requires your username and password. To reset it by phone, they would need to pass identity verification, which requires information like your Social Security number or answers to your security questions. If you lose your card, call your issuer when ready to report it.