Your PIN is printed on a separate document that arrives after your card, or you can set one yourself through your bank's app or website
When you receive a new credit card, your personal identification number (PIN) does not come printed on the card itself. Instead, your bank mails it separately — usually in a sealed envelope that arrives a few days after the card. This separation is intentional: if someone intercepts your mail, they have the card but not the number needed to use it at an ATM or to complete a PIN-based transaction.
If you cannot find that original PIN letter, or if you want to change your PIN to something you'll remember, you can create a new one through your bank's mobile app, website, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. The process takes minutes and requires you to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions or entering a code sent to your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your PIN arrives in a separate mailed envelope after your card, not on the card itself or in the welcome packet.
- You can set or change your PIN through your bank's app, website, or phone line without visiting a branch.
- If you've forgotten your PIN, you'll need to verify your identity before the bank will let you create a new one.
- A credit card PIN is different from your debit card PIN — they are separate numbers managed by different systems.
- If your PIN letter was lost in the mail, contact your bank directly rather than waiting for a replacement to arrive on its own.
Where the PIN letter is sent and how long it takes to arrive
Your bank sends the PIN in a separate mailing from your card because the two pieces together would give a thief everything needed to withdraw cash or make purchases. The PIN letter typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days after your card, though timing varies by bank and by mail speed in your area.
The envelope is usually marked with language like "Important Security Information" or "Your PIN Enclosed" and comes from your bank's mailing center, not from a local branch. Check your mail carefully during the first two weeks after you receive your card. If you live in a place where mail theft is common, consider having mail held at your post office or asking a trusted neighbor to collect it.
Some banks now offer the option to receive your PIN digitally through their app instead of by mail. If your bank offers this, you can usually turn it on in your account settings before your card is even mailed out.
How to set or change your PIN through your bank's app or website
If you want to choose your own PIN instead of using the one your bank assigned, or if you want to change it after receiving it, log into your bank's mobile app or website and look for a section labeled "Card Settings," "Manage Cards," or "Security." The exact location varies by bank, but it's usually grouped with other card management options like reporting a lost card or changing your address.
Click on your credit card and select the option to set or change your PIN. You'll be asked to create a four-digit number — most banks require digits only, though some allow letters. Avoid obvious choices like your birth year, your address, or sequential numbers like 1234. The change takes effect immediately, and you can use your new PIN right away at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals that require one.
If you don't see a PIN option in your app, your bank may require you to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card and a form of ID ready when you call, and be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity.
Recovering a forgotten PIN by phone or in person
If you've forgotten your PIN and don't have the original letter, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Tell the representative that you need to reset your PIN. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by confirming your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
Once you've verified your identity, the representative can either tell you your current PIN over the phone or walk you through setting a new one immediately. Some banks will mail you a new PIN letter, but most will let you create a new number on the spot and use it within minutes.
If you prefer to handle this in person, visit a branch of your bank with a photo ID and ask to reset your PIN. A teller can do this while you wait, though you may need to make an appointment at some branches. This is slower than calling, but it can be useful if you're uncomfortable giving security information over the phone.
The difference between a credit card PIN and a debit card PIN
A credit card PIN and a debit card PIN are separate numbers managed by different systems. Your debit card PIN is tied to your checking account and controls access to your funds. Your credit card PIN is a security layer that protects your credit line and is required only when you withdraw cash from an ATM or make a PIN-based transaction at certain merchants.
You can have different PINs for each card, and changing one does not affect the other. If you have both a credit card and a debit card from the same bank, you'll receive two separate PIN letters (or can set two separate PINs through your app). Do not use the same PIN for both cards — if someone learns one number, you want the other account protected by a different one.
What to do if your PIN letter was lost or never arrived
If two weeks have passed since you received your card and you haven't received a PIN letter, contact your bank. Have your card number and the address where you expected it to arrive ready. The bank can confirm whether the letter was mailed and, if it was, can issue a replacement or let you set a PIN immediately over the phone.
Do not assume the letter will arrive eventually — mail can be lost, stolen, or delayed indefinitely. Calling your bank takes five minutes and ensures you're not locked out of using your card at ATMs or merchants that require a PIN. If you're concerned about mail theft in your area, ask your bank whether you can receive future PINs digitally through your app instead.
When you'll actually need to use your credit card PIN
You need your credit card PIN when you withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card. This is different from using a debit card at an ATM — a credit card cash advance charges interest immediately and may also include a fee, so use this option only if you have no other way to get cash.
Some merchants, particularly outside the United States, may ask for a PIN when you make a purchase with your credit card instead of asking for a signature. This is becoming more common as chip technology spreads. In most U.S. stores, you'll still sign or tap your card without entering a PIN, but knowing your PIN means you're prepared if a terminal asks for one.
You do not need your PIN to make online purchases, to pay your bill, or to use your card for everyday shopping. It's a backup security measure, not something you'll use constantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my credit card at an ATM without a PIN?
No. ATMs require a PIN for any withdrawal, whether you're using a credit card or debit card. If you don't have your PIN, you cannot withdraw cash from an ATM. You can still use your credit card to make purchases at stores and online.
What if I set a PIN and then forgot it again?
Call your bank's customer service line or log into your app and reset it the same way you did the first time. You'll need to verify your identity, and then you can create a new PIN immediately. There's no limit to how many times you can reset it.
Is my credit card PIN the same as my online banking password?
No. Your PIN is a separate four-digit number used only for ATM withdrawals and certain in-person transactions. Your online banking password is what you use to log into your account on the bank's website or app. Keep both secure and do not share either one.
Can someone use my credit card if they have the number but not the PIN?
Yes. A PIN is required only at ATMs and some merchants — most stores and all online purchases do not require a PIN. If someone has your card number, expiration date, and CVV, they can make purchases without knowing your PIN. This is why you should report a lost or stolen card immediately.
Do I need a PIN for a virtual or digital credit card?
No. Virtual credit card numbers generated through your bank's app are used only for online purchases and do not require a PIN. A PIN is needed only for physical cards used at ATMs or in-person at merchants that request one.