Your credit card PIN is a four-digit code you set yourself, and it lives in your card issuer's system, not on the card itself

Your personal identification number (PIN) is separate from your card number. The card number is printed on the front; the PIN is something only you and your bank know. You create it when you first get the card, or you can change it anytime through your bank's app or website.

The PIN is required when you use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, or at a point-of-sale terminal when you choose to enter a PIN instead of signing. It is not needed for online purchases, phone orders, or contactless payments (tap or mobile wallet). The PIN protects you because it proves you have physical possession of the card and know the code — a thief with just your card number cannot use it at an ATM.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PIN is a four-digit code you create and change yourself through your bank's app, website, or customer service line.
  • You need the PIN to withdraw cash at an ATM or to choose PIN entry instead of a signature at a store terminal.
  • If you forget your PIN, you can reset it when ready through your bank's app or by calling the number on the back of your card.
  • Your PIN is never printed on your card and should never be written down or shared, even with bank staff.

How to find or reset your PIN through your bank's app

Most credit card issuers let you view, set, or change your PIN directly in their mobile app. Open the app, log in, find your card, and look for a menu option labeled "PIN," "Card PIN," "Security," or "Card Settings." Tap it, and you will see your current PIN or be prompted to create a new one. The change takes effect when ready.

If your app does not have this feature, log into your bank's website on a computer. The process is the same: navigate to your card settings and find the PIN option. Some banks bury it under "Security" or "Card Management" rather than listing it at the top level, so use the search function if you cannot find it quickly.

Resetting your PIN by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. Tell the representative you want to set or change your PIN. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or recent transaction details. Once verified, they will either give you a temporary PIN to use when ready and ask you to change it in the app later, or they will let you speak a new PIN aloud and confirm it on the spot.

This process usually takes five to ten minutes. The new PIN is active right away, so you can use it at an ATM or store terminal the same day. If you are calling because you forgot your PIN entirely, the representative can reset it without needing you to provide the old one.

What to do if you cannot remember your PIN

Do not guess repeatedly at an ATM or store terminal. Most machines lock you out after three wrong attempts, and you will have to wait 24 hours or call your bank to unlock the card. Instead, go straight to your bank's app or website and reset it there, or call the number on the back of your card.

If you are at an ATM right now and locked out, you can still withdraw cash using your debit card if you have one, or you can visit a branch with your ID and ask a teller to help. For credit cards, you cannot withdraw cash without the PIN, so resetting it through the app is your fastest option.

Protecting your PIN from theft

Never write your PIN down, store it in your phone, or tell anyone — including bank staff or family members. Your bank will never ask for your PIN over the phone or email. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and asks for it, hang up and call the number on the back of your card to report the call.

When you enter your PIN at a terminal or ATM, cover the keypad with your hand so cameras or people nearby cannot see it. If a terminal looks damaged, cracked, or loose, do not use it — it may have a skimming device attached. Report it to the store or bank when ready.

The difference between your credit card PIN and your debit card PIN

If you have both a credit card and a debit card from the same bank, they have separate PINs. You set them independently, and changing one does not affect the other. Your credit card PIN is used only when you choose PIN entry at a store or when you withdraw cash at an ATM. Your debit card PIN is used for all debit transactions — at stores, ATMs, and online bill pay.

Some people use the same four-digit code for both for convenience, but that is riskier. If someone learns one PIN, they have access to both cards. Using different codes means a compromise of one does not automatically expose the other.

Why you might not need your PIN very often

Most credit card transactions do not require a PIN. When you swipe or insert your card at a store, you sign a receipt or approve the charge on a screen. When you tap your card or use your phone to pay, no PIN is needed. You only need the PIN when you specifically choose PIN entry at a terminal, or when you use the card to withdraw cash at an ATM.

Because of this, many people set a PIN when they get the card and then forget it exists. That is fine — you can reset it anytime through the app or by calling. The PIN is there if you need it, but it is not part of everyday credit card use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my bank tell me my PIN over the phone?

No. Your bank will never tell you your PIN, even if you call them and verify your identity. They can reset it and let you create a new one, but they cannot retrieve the old one because they do not store it in a readable form. If someone calls claiming to be your bank and offers to tell you your PIN, it is a scam.

What if I set a PIN but never use it?

Nothing happens. The PIN sits in your account until you need it. You can change it anytime through the app, or leave it as is. There is no penalty for having a PIN you do not use regularly.

Is my credit card PIN the same as my online banking password?

No, they are completely separate. Your online banking password lets you log into your account on the website or app. Your credit card PIN is used only at ATMs and store terminals. You set them independently and can change them on different schedules.

Can I use my credit card PIN at any ATM?

Yes, you can use your credit card PIN to withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts your card's network — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. However, your bank may charge a fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals, so check your cardholder agreement first.