You can request a PIN from your card issuer by phone, online, or in person at a branch

A credit card PIN is a four-digit code that lets you withdraw cash at an ATM or complete a transaction at a point-of-sale terminal that requires one instead of a signature. Most credit card issuers will issue you a PIN when you ask, though some cards come with one already assigned. The fastest way to get one is usually a phone call to the customer service number on the back of your card — you can often receive a temporary PIN the same day and set a permanent one online or by phone within 24 hours.

Not all credit cards support PIN-based transactions. Rewards cards, travel cards, and premium cards often do; some basic or secured cards may not. Before requesting a PIN, confirm with your issuer that your specific card supports one. If it does not, you will need to use your signature or a contactless payment method instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the customer service number on your card to request a PIN; most issuers can issue a temporary one the same day.
  • You can usually set or change your PIN online through your account portal or by calling customer service.
  • A PIN is required for ATM cash withdrawals and some in-person transactions, but not for online purchases or signature-based payments.
  • If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through your online account or by calling customer service; the process typically takes a few minutes.
  • Not all credit cards support PINs — check with your issuer before requesting one.

How to request a PIN by phone

Call the customer service number printed on the back of your credit card. Have your card and a form of identification ready. Tell the representative you want to request a PIN for your account. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.

Once verified, the representative can issue you a temporary PIN on the spot. This temporary PIN is usually valid for 24 to 48 hours and works at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. Before the temporary PIN expires, you must set a permanent one — most issuers let you do this online or by calling back. Setting a permanent PIN typically takes less than five minutes and requires you to choose a four-digit code you can remember.

Requesting a PIN online through your account

Log into your credit card issuer's website or mobile app using your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Card Settings," "Account Management," "Security," or "PIN Services." The exact name varies by issuer — Chase calls it "Card Controls," while American Express uses "Account Settings."

Click on the option to request or set a PIN. You will be asked to confirm your identity, usually by entering your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once confirmed, you can choose your own four-digit PIN immediately. Some issuers send a confirmation email; others display your new PIN on screen right away. If the online option is not available for your card, you will need to call customer service instead.

What happens if you forget your PIN

If you forget your PIN, you can reset it without penalty. Log into your online account and navigate to the PIN or card settings section, then select "Reset PIN" or "Change PIN." You will need to verify your identity again. Once verified, you can create a new PIN immediately.

If you cannot access your online account, call customer service. The representative will verify your identity and can issue you a temporary PIN over the phone, which you can then change to a permanent one online or on your next call. There is no charge for resetting a forgotten PIN, and you will not lose access to your card while you do so.

Using your PIN at ATMs and in stores

Once you have set a permanent PIN, you can use it to withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts your card's network — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Insert your card, enter your PIN, and select the withdrawal amount. The cash will be dispensed and the transaction will post to your account as a cash advance, which typically carries a higher interest rate than regular purchases.

At a physical store, you can use your PIN instead of signing a receipt. When the cashier asks how you want to pay, say "debit" or "PIN," then insert your card and enter your PIN. This works at most retailers, though some older terminals may not support PIN entry for credit cards. If the terminal does not accept a PIN, you can sign instead or use a contactless payment method.

PIN requirements and restrictions

Your PIN must be four digits and cannot be a sequence that is too obvious — most issuers will not let you use 0000, 1111, or your birth year. You should not use your birthday, address, or phone number, as these are easy for someone else to guess if they have access to your personal information.

You can change your PIN as often as you want at no cost. If you suspect someone knows your PIN or your card has been compromised, change it immediately through your online account or by calling customer service. If your card is lost or stolen, contact your issuer right away to report it; they will cancel the card and issue a replacement, and you can request a new PIN for the replacement card.

Why some cards do not have PIN options

Not all credit cards support PIN-based transactions. Secured credit cards, which are designed for people building or rebuilding credit, often do not offer PIN functionality. Some premium rewards cards also restrict PIN use to reduce fraud risk. If your card does not support a PIN, your issuer will tell you when you call to request one.

If you need a PIN for ATM access or in-store transactions, consider whether your current card is the right fit for how you use credit. Some issuers offer multiple card products — you might have a rewards card without PIN support and a basic card with PIN support. Contact your issuer to ask what options are available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my credit card PIN online?

No. Your PIN only works at ATMs and physical point-of-sale terminals. Online purchases require your card number, expiration date, and CVV code instead. A PIN provides no additional security for online transactions.

What is the difference between a credit card PIN and a debit card PIN?

Both are four-digit codes, but they work differently. A debit card PIN accesses your bank account directly. A credit card PIN lets you access a line of credit and is optional — you can always sign instead. Credit card PINs are also not required for online purchases, while debit card PINs are.

Do I get charged for using my PIN at an ATM?

You will be charged a cash advance fee, which is a percentage of the amount withdrawn (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus a flat fee of $2 to $5. You will also pay interest on the cash advance from the day you withdraw it, at a rate higher than your regular purchase APR. Check your card's terms for the exact fees.

What if I enter my PIN wrong three times?

Most ATMs will retain your card after three incorrect PIN entries as a security measure. Contact your card issuer to report this and request a replacement card. You can usually retrieve your card from the ATM's issuing bank during business hours.

Can someone use my credit card if they know my PIN?

They can use it at ATMs and some in-store terminals, but they cannot use it online. If you suspect your PIN has been compromised, change it immediately through your online account or by calling customer service. If fraudulent transactions appear on your account, report them to your issuer right away.