How to Activate an ATM Card From Any Bank

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Activate your new ATM card from the comfort of your home
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Whether you’re starting a new bank account or your old debit card just expired, it looks like it’s time to activate your new ATM card. This process is super simple—you can usually just activate your card at an ATM owned by your bank. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a machine however, that’s totally fine. You can activate an ATM card online, over the phone, or sometimes just by making a regular purchase at a store. Keep reading to learn all the ways to activate you new card, plus some best practices for keeping your money safe.

Things You Should Know

  • Take your debit card to an ATM owned by your bank, insert it, and enter your PIN. Follow the instructions on the screen to activate your card.
  • Go to your bank’s website or app and find the “Activation” option. Give them the necessary information for activating your card.
  • Call your bank or go in person to have an operator/representative activate the card for you.
Section 1 of 2:

Activating Your ATM card

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  1. Choose an ATM that is well-lit, situated in a visible location, and owned by your banking establishment. Insert your card, use your PIN or your temporary PIN, and follow the instructions on screen. [1]
    • To be sure it worked, perform a balance inquiry or make a transaction. Some cards won’t activate unless you do.
    • You can conduct transactions at second- or third-party ATMs once your card is set up, but you have to go to one owned by your specific bank for the actual activation.
    • If you’re receiving a new card (and not a replacement card on an existing account) your bank should send you a temporary PIN number in a separate envelope. If it’s a replacement, you can use the same PIN.
      • If you weren’t sent a PIN, either activate the card and then choose a PIN, or use the 3-digit security code on the back of the card to activate the card before choosing a PIN. [2]
  2. Many banks provide an activation service via the Internet, through their website or an app. [3] Log in to your bank’s website or app and select the option to activate your card. Most online activation services require you to enter the security code on the back of your card.
    • The activation option may be in “New Account Information” or “FAQs.”
    • You may have to have a preexisting online banking ID to use this option.
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  3. Most banks provide a toll-free number you can use to activate your card . This number may be located on a sticker on your ATM card, in the letter mailed with your card, or on their website. Call the toll-free number and follow the prompts. [4]
    • The requested information usually includes the last four digits of your social security number, your zip code, and the security code on your card.
    • The Bank of America activation number is 1-888-624-2323. For Chase, call 1-800-290-3935, for Wells Fargo, call 1-877-294-6933, and for Capital One, call 1-844-242-2388.
      • Bank of America has an international number, as well—call collect to 1-925-675-6195.
    • You can also go to a branch of your bank in person to speak with someone—the process is the same as the over-the-phone one.
  4. Some banks (like Bank of America, for example) allow you to make a purchase to activate the card. To activate it, use the card in the store, then just enter your PIN (or temporary PIN). [5]
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Section 2 of 2:

ATM Card Best Practices

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  1. If you get an ATM card you’re not expecting, contact your bank immediately to find out if the card is legitimate. Some banks will issue a new debit card if there was a problem, like potential fraud, associated with your existing debit card. [6]
    • If you didn’t request a new debit card, decide if you need one. Read the fine print or contact the bank to make sure the debit card doesn't have hidden fees or that switching to a new card is required. [7]
    • Examine the card's expiration date. If the expiration date is approaching soon, contact your bank. This is often a sign of a fraudulent card.
  2. As soon as you receive a new, legitimate debit card, sign the back of it. This is a mostly defunct fraud protection practice, but merchants can still decide to refuse you service if the back of your card is unsigned. [8] If this is a replacement debit card, or you received a temporary card, destroy your old cards now.
    • Cut the card up so that the name and number cannot be identified. This helps protect your identity and information.
  3. If your bank sends you a temporary PIN and allows you to create your own, change your PIN. Creating your own PIN for your ATM card creates an additional level of security for your account. Memorize your new PIN, and don’t carry that number with you in your wallet.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I activate my bank card via ATM machine, or must I go inside the branch?
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Expert Answer
    You can activate your debit card through an ATM owned by the banking institution who issued the card provided you have a PIN. The PIN might be temporary and sent to you separately from the card or your old PIN if you previously had a card.
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    Not Helpful 33 Helpful 85
  • Question
    Can I activate my card without a mobile number?
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
    Michael R. Lewis
    Business Advisor
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can. A mobile phone number is not needed to activate a debit card.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.chase.com/personal/new-bank-account
      2. ↑ https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/personal-identification-number.asp
      3. ↑ https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/legacy/resources/payroll/PRUSB_445_Focus_FAQ_Portable_HR_nc.pdf
      4. ↑ https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/legacy/resources/payroll/PRUSB_445_Focus_FAQ_Portable_HR_nc.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/debit-card-faqs/
      6. ↑ http://money.cnn.com/2014/01/15/pf/new-cards-hack/
      7. ↑ http://consumerist.com/2009/07/14/chase-sends-you-debit-card-you-dont-need-tells-you-to-activate-it/
      8. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/unsafe-sign-credit-card

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you have the activation information that came with your ATM card, you can activate the card by calling your bank using the toll-free number located either on the back of the card or in the letter mailed with it. Alternatively, you can go to any branch of your bank and ask the attendant to activate it for you. If there isn’t a branch near you, find the nearest ATM owned by your bank, insert your new card, and enter your PIN. From there, you’ll either go through an activation screen or your new card will automatically be activated. For more help from our Finance co-author, like how to change the PIN for your new ATM card, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Ashish Chauhan

        Dec 22, 2016

        "It's good. The easiest way to activate your card is to call your bank's customer care, and they will help ..." more
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