An ATM card PIN is a multi-digit number required at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for carrying out transactions and is initially provided by the banks. This PIN can be reset or changed to a new PIN by the card owner.
What is an ATM PIN?
PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a 4-digit code unique to each ATM card that ensures that the card user or account holder is carrying out the transactions. You cannot use the ATM card without activating the PIN. You should change your ATM PIN every 3-6 months or at least once a year to enhance the security of your bank account as well as ATM and online transactions.
How to get a PIN/Personal Identification Number?
As an account holder opens a new account, the banks send a temporary PIN code that you can use to log in to the ATM account. This PIN can then be changed to a new one. In some cases, you can generate a new PIN with the help of an OTP. There are several ways to get an ATM PIN as discussed below:
Temporary ATM PIN sent on Paper Mails
The ATM PIN is sent to the account holders or card owners in paper mail, sealed in an envelope letter. The ATM card owners are advised to re-generate a new ATM PIN for security purposes which can then be inserted into the ATM. One can log in using the temporary PIN code provided by the bank and follow the instructions displayed on-screen to generate a new PIN.
Green PIN sent on SMS
Instead of paper-mailed PINs, banks send Green PINs through SMS as a step towards the ‘Go Green’ initiative for environmental concerns, as well as for enhanced security reasons. This method helps save time and ensures safety since the bank employees are not in charge of the physical custody of the paper mailers. The temporary PIN is sent to your registered mobile number when you request to change the PIN at an ATM. Once you receive your Green PIN, visit the nearest ATM and insert your card to generate the new PIN.
Note: It is advised to change the PIN provided by the banks for security reasons. There is an option for ‘Forgot/Generate PIN’ at ATMs which you can use for a new ATM card PIN generation.
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Receive ATM PIN through SMS
Almost similar to temporary Green PIN sent on SMS, ATM card PIN generation through SMS is by sending an OTP instead of a temporary PIN. In this case, you have to send an SMS first from your registered mobile number to a specified number provided by the bank for SMS banking. The text for the SMS should be as instructed by the bank, for ATM PIN generation such that it is valid. An OTP is sent to your number which is valid for a few hours/days. You have to go to an ATM, insert the card and log in using the same OTP and similarly create the PIN as you did through Green PIN.
Get an ATM PIN through Internet Banking
Once you log in to your net banking portal, you should find the section ‘Change/Reset/Generate PIN’ for your cards. You will be prompted to enter the existing PIN and if you have received a temporary PIN from the bank, you can use the same as the existing one. Next, you need to enter the new PIN and re-enter it to confirm. In some cases, certain security questions may also be asked. An OTP may be sent to your registered mobile number to ensure that no other person is trying to generate the ATM PIN in an unauthorized way. Once the OTP is validated, your new PIN is generated.
Read More: Forgot ATM PIN - How to Reset it
