Whenever you open a bank account with any bank, you will receive a new debit card as a part of their welcome kit. It is always exciting to receive a new debit card; we all want to use it immediately! A debit card allows you to make transactions without physically going to any bank branches. You can swipe it at a restaurant, enter your bank details to make payments online, and also use it to withdraw cash from an ATM. Before you start to use your new ATM card, you will have to activate your ATM card. Debit Card activation is relatively easy, and you do not need to worry about how to activate an ATM card.
3 ATM card activation methods are available; you can use either of them. The article will guide you through each method and list the steps to activate your new ATM card quickly and seamlessly.
Before jumping to the steps, you should know why activating your new debit card is important. Whenever you receive a new card from the bank, that card is ‘inactive’ and not assigned to any specific individual or account. Only when you activate your new ATM card is the card assigned to you after the bank verifies your identity. So only you are authorised to use your card. By activating your debit card, you prevent unauthorised use or misuse of your debit card. So, activating your new card before you use it is very important.
How to Activate Debit Card Through an ATM?
If an ATM is nearby, activating your new debit card via an ATM is one of the most easy and convenient ways. The steps to follow to activate an ATM card are:
- Visit the nearest ATM and insert your card into the machine.
- Select ‘Set/Create PIN’ from the options.
- Enter the four-digit PIN. You would have received the pin in the welcome kit along with the card.
- Reset the PIN to create a new PIN for your future transactions.
- The PIN will be activated within a few seconds.
- Remove the card from the ATM.
How to Activate ATM Card via Net Banking?
If there is no ATM nearby or you wish to activate your debit card online, you can do that. All banks now provide online banking services to their customers. To activate your ATM or debit card online by using the net banking facilities of your bank, follow these steps:
- Log in to your bank’s net banking portal.
- Click on the ‘Debit Card’ section
- Select ‘generate PIN’ or ‘create PIN’
- By clicking on the option, the portal will give you instructions on activating your debit card.
- Follow the steps provided to activate your new ATM card.
How to Activate ATM Card via Phone Banking?
Like internet banking, debit card activation can also be done via a phone banking facility. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Connect with the customer care of your bank.
- Give them the phone banking PIN that you would have received in your welcome kit
- Enter the unique four-digit PIN of your choice to activate your card.
- After entering the PIN, you will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number that your ATM card is activated.
How to Activate Debit Card by SMS?
SMS can also activate a new ATM card. You must send a message from your registered mobile number to the bank requesting to activate your new debit/ATM card. The bank’s number will be provided in the welcome kit. After sending the SMS, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. This OTP will be valid for two days, and at that time, you will have to visit any ATM in your bank to activate your ATM card.
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Activating a new debit or ATM card is quick and easy. With digital banking services, the need to go to an ATM is also eliminated. Just follow the above-mentioned steps to activate your new debit card. Remember, these are general guidelines and steps. A few steps and procedures might differ from bank to bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to generate a new PIN for my new debit card?
Yes, it is necessary to generate a new PIN for a new debit card. Also, do not forget to destroy your old debit card before you start using the new one to prevent fraud.
Is it necessary to activate a debit card immediately?
Though there is no specific time frame for activating your debit card, it is best to do so as soon as possible to ensure that your card is safe and ready to use.
How to check if an ATM card is active or not?
Generally, you receive a confirmation message and email once your debit card is activated. If you still want more assurance, buy a small item and pay using your new card. You can then check your transaction history and balance to see if your debit card is activated. But if you still have any doubts, get in touch with bank officials.
Are debit cards automatically activated?
No, debit cards are not activated automatically. You need to activate your new debit card either by visiting an ATM or with the help of your bank’s customer care service.
Can I activate my card at any ATM?
No, you must visit your bank’s ATM to activate your new ATM or debit card. It cannot be activated in any ATM.
How do you activate an expired ATM card?
When your ATM card expires, you need to request a new one from your bank. Activating the new ATM card is easy and can be done through ATM, net banking, phone banking, SMS, or by visiting the branch in person.
