Your 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 cards do not come with a PIN pre-assigned. Your card issuer — the bank or financial company that issued your card — will either mail you a PIN in a separate envelope after your card arrives, or give you the option to set your own PIN through their website or mobile app. Some issuers skip the PIN entirely unless you request one, since most U.S. merchants use signature or chip verification instead.

The PIN serves a specific purpose: it proves you have physical possession of the card and know the code. At an ATM, you need the PIN to withdraw cash using your credit card (which counts as a cash advance and typically carries a higher interest rate and an upfront fee). At a merchant terminal, a PIN might be required if the card reader is old, if you're outside the U.S., or if the merchant's system is set up to request one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your PIN arrives separately from your card in the mail, or you can create one yourself through your card issuer's website or app.
  • You need a PIN to withdraw cash at an ATM using your credit card, which is treated as a cash advance with its own fees and interest rate.
  • Most U.S. retail stores do not require a PIN for credit card purchases — they use your signature or the chip reader instead.
  • If you forget your PIN, contact your card issuer's customer service number on the back of your card to reset it.

How to find your PIN if it was mailed to you

When you first received your credit card, your issuer may have sent the PIN in a separate piece of mail, usually a small envelope marked "confidential" or "important." This was done for security — the PIN and card travel separately so that if one is intercepted, the other is useless. Check your mail from the week your card arrived, including any envelopes you may have set aside or discarded.

If you cannot locate the original PIN letter, do not assume you do not have one. Some issuers print the PIN on a document you received, or they may have set a temporary PIN that you were supposed to change. Look through any paperwork that came with your card, including welcome letters and terms documents.

Setting or resetting your PIN online or through the app

Most card issuers now let you create or change your PIN without calling. Log into your account on the issuer's website or open their mobile app, then look for a section labeled "Card Settings," "Security," "PIN," or "Manage Card." The exact name varies by bank — Chase calls it "Card Controls," while American Express uses "Card Management."

You will typically need to verify your identity first, usually by entering your card number and the three-digit security code on the back. Then you can set a new four-digit PIN of your choice. Write it down somewhere secure (not on the card itself) or memorize it. The new PIN usually takes effect immediately or within a few hours.

Calling your issuer to request or reset a PIN

If the online option is not available or you prefer to speak with someone, call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. Have your card and a form of ID ready. Tell the representative you need to set a PIN or reset one you have forgotten.

The representative 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, they can either assign you a temporary PIN that you change on your next ATM visit, or they can let you choose a PIN over the phone. The process usually takes five to ten minutes.

Why you might not have a PIN and when you need one

Not every credit card comes with a PIN, and you do not need one for everyday purchases at most U.S. stores. Retailers here use chip readers (the small slot you insert your card into) or contactless payment (tapping your card) for security instead. A PIN is mainly useful for two situations: withdrawing cash at an ATM, or traveling internationally where some merchants still require a PIN for credit card purchases.

If you travel abroad or plan to use your card at an ATM, set up a PIN before you leave. Many international merchants will not accept a credit card without one, and you cannot set a PIN while traveling if your issuer requires online or phone verification from a U.S. address.

What to do if you forget your PIN

Forgetting your PIN is not a problem — you can reset it anytime through the same methods you used to set it. Go to your issuer's website or app and follow the PIN reset steps, or call the customer service number on your card. You do not need to know your old PIN to create a new one; the issuer just needs to verify that you are the cardholder.

If you enter the wrong PIN three times at an ATM, the machine will usually hold your card for security reasons. Contact your issuer to have it released, or visit a branch in person with your ID. This is a safety feature to prevent someone else from guessing your code.

PIN versus CVV: what is the difference

Your PIN and your CVV (card verification value) are two different security codes. The CVV is the three-digit number on the back of your card (or four digits on the front of American Express cards). You use the CVV when you shop online or over the phone to prove you have the physical card. You never enter your CVV at an ATM or in person at a store.

The PIN is a code only you know, entered at an ATM or at a merchant terminal. The CVV is printed on the card itself. Keeping both secure means not writing either one down, not sharing them, and not entering them on unsecured websites. If you believe your PIN or CVV has been compromised, contact your issuer immediately to change your PIN or request a new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my debit card PIN on my credit card?

No. Your debit card PIN and credit card PIN are separate codes managed by different accounts. If you have both cards from the same bank, you still need to set a PIN for each one separately. They do not transfer between cards or accounts.

What happens if someone uses my credit card and knows my PIN?

Contact your card issuer immediately. Credit cards have fraud protection — you are typically not responsible for unauthorized charges if you report them within 60 days. Your issuer will cancel the card and issue a new one with a new PIN. Change your PIN on any other cards you own if you used the same code.

Do I need a PIN to use my credit card at a gas pump?

No. Gas pumps in the U.S. use chip readers or magnetic stripe readers, not PIN entry. You may be asked to enter your ZIP code instead for address verification. If a pump asks for a PIN, it is likely a skimming device — use a different pump or go inside to pay.

Can I set my own PIN, or does the bank assign one?

Most issuers let you choose your own PIN through their website, app, or by phone. Some older accounts or issuers may assign a temporary PIN first, which you can change immediately. Check your issuer's website to see if you can set a PIN yourself before calling.

Is my PIN the same as my online banking password?

No. Your PIN is for ATM and in-person transactions. Your online banking password is for logging into your account on the website or app. Keep them separate and do not use the same code for both. If one is compromised, the other remains secure.