How to Activate an ATM Card From Any Bank

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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.

• 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.

Activating Your ATM card

• 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] X Research source

  

  • 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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  • 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.

    

    Make an in-person purchase with your new debit card to activate it. 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] X Research source

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    ATM Card Best Practices

    

    • 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] X Research source
    • 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.

    

    • Cut the card up so that the name and number cannot be identified. This helps protect your identity and information.

    

    Change the preset PIN to a personal one. 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. [9] X Research source

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    Expert Q&A

    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.

    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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    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.

    Business Advisor Expert Answer Yes, you can. A mobile phone number is not needed to activate a debit card.

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