Setting up your ATM PIN is the first step in securing your debit card and carrying out safe transactions. Whether you need to activate a new card or reset an old PIN, using the right method helps protect your money. You can create your PIN online through net banking or mobile apps, or offline using an ATM.
Each method offers simple steps that take only a few minutes. Missing this step may delay your card usage or increase security risks. Understanding the ways to create your ATM PIN ensures your card is ready for use and protected from fraud, theft, or unauthorised access.
The ATM card PIN or Personal Identification Number is a unique 4-digit code linked to that card. You need to generate your ATM PIN as soon as you get your debit card. The bank validates the transaction when you enter the correct PIN. If you're unsure about how I can generate an ATM PIN, you can do so through both online and offline methods depending on your preference.
Before you generate your ATM PIN, make sure you meet a few basic requirements. This avoids errors and ensures a smooth setup process. Here are the conditions you need to check:
Your debit card should be activated by the bank before you generate your debit card PIN using any online or offline method
Your mobile number must be linked to your bank account so you can receive OTPs and important PIN setup alerts
You should have access to net banking or the mobile app if you want to generate your ATM PIN online without visiting the bank
You must have received a temporary PIN or OTP from your bank if your method of choice requires PIN authentication
You need access to an ATM if you plan to use offline ways to generate your ATM PIN or reset it later
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to generate your ATM PIN using online channels like net banking and mobile apps:
Through Net Banking
You can use your net banking account to generate your debit card PIN. Follow these steps:
Log in to your bank’s net banking portal
Select the account that you wish to generate your ATM PIN for
Choose the ‘Generate PIN’ option under ‘ATM Card Services’
Type in your choice of the four-digit PIN and click on ‘Confirm’
Verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
After authentication, use the generated PIN to transact seamlessly
Using the Mobile App
Some banks allow you to generate your ATM PIN using their mobile app. Follow these steps:
Log in to the bank’s mobile app
Choose the account for which you want to generate your debit card PIN
Under ‘ATM Card Services,’ click on ‘Generate PIN’
Enter the four-digit PIN and confirm it
Verify the request with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
Once authenticated, you can use the PIN for transactions
You can also generate your ATM PIN offline.
Through an ATM
Learning how to generate your ATM PIN at an ATM is easy. Ideally, visit your bank’s ATM and follow these steps:
Insert your card in the provided slot
Enter the temporary PIN provided by the bank
Click on ‘Change PIN’
Enter the PIN of your choice
Confirm your new PIN
If you don’t have a temporary PIN, verify your identity by entering the OTP sent to your registered number. Alternatively, you may enter your account and mobile number for verification.
Using the SMS Facility
Type the message for new PIN generation in the format specified by your bank and send it to the bank’s SMS service number. After raising the request, you will receive a temporary OTP valid for a few hours.
You would then need to follow the steps mentioned below:
Visit the nearest bank ATM
Insert your ATM card
Click on ‘Generate PIN’
Enter your temporary card PIN
Click on ‘Confirm’
Enter your four-digit card PIN and re-enter for confirmation
Click on ‘Submit’
In some cases, you may need to verify your identity by validating an OTP sent to your registered contact number.
To generate your ATM PIN through customer care, call your bank’s customer care number and request an OTP for PIN generation. Once the bank verifies your details, they send you an OTP valid for a few hours. Follow these steps:
Visit the nearest bank ATM
Insert your ATM card
Click on ‘Generate PIN’
Enter the OTP generated
Click on ‘Confirm’
Enter your four-digit card PIN and re-enter the same
Click on ‘Submit’ to confirm your PIN
If you want to change/reset your ATM card PIN, the process is simple and can be completed both online and offline. Here are the steps to change ATM PIN through various modes:
How to Change your ATM PIN Online
You can change or reset your PIN online by visiting the bank’s website and following the steps mentioned below:
Log in to your net banking account
Under the ‘Services’ tab, click on ‘Card services’
Look for the ‘PIN generation’ option
Choose the account number and verify it with the OTP sent to the registered number
Click on ‘Continue’
Enter your old PIN and click on ‘Submit’
Enter your new four-digit ATM PIN
Click on ‘Submit’
How to Change your ATM PIN Offline
Here’s what you would have to do to change your ATM PIN through an ATM machine:
Go to your nearest bank ATM
Insert your ATM card
Click on ‘Change/Reset PIN’
Enter your existing ATM PIN and click on ‘Confirm’
Click on ‘Forgot PIN’ in case you do not remember the PIN and enter the received OTP
Click on ‘Confirm’ to change the PIN
When the bank sends an OTP/temporary PIN to your number, cancel the transaction and insert your card again. Here’s how you do it:
Select your preferred language
Click on ‘Banking services’
Enter the OTP/temporary PIN and click on ‘Enter’
Choose the ‘Change PIN’ option
Enter your new four-digit ATM PIN
Re-enter your new PIN and you’re done!
You can use the same channels to set up your credit card PIN too and use it to withdraw money from an ATM as well as avail numerous benefits.
Keeping your PIN safe is essential to protect your financial information:
Never share your PIN with anyone
Use a unique PIN that is hard to guess
Change your PIN regularly
Shield the keypad when entering your PIN
Avoid writing or storing your PIN in accessible places
Be cautious when using ATMs or machines in public areas
Update your PIN immediately if you suspect it is compromised
Sometimes PIN generation doesn’t work due to network issues or wrong details. If you’re stuck and thinking how can I generate an ATM PIN, here are a few things to try:
Ensure your mobile number is updated and correctly linked to your bank account to receive OTPs and authentication messages
Wait for a few minutes and try again later, as temporary server or connectivity issues can often cause failed attempts
Switch to another option like SMS, ATM, or customer care if mobile app or net banking services fail when you try to generate your ATM PIN
Visit the nearest bank branch and ask for help from a staff member if online and ATM options do not work
Check if the OTP or temporary PIN has expired or was entered incorrectly, and request a fresh one before trying to generate your debit card PIN again
An ATM PIN is a four-digit secret number unique to your card. You need to generate your ATM PIN when you receive the card.
Once you receive your new ATM card, you will have to generate the PIN using any of the online (mobile banking and net banking) or offline (ATM, customer care, and SMS) methods.
To generate your ATM PIN online, you can use either the net banking account or your bank’s mobile app. Follow these quick steps:
Log in to the bank’s mobile app/net banking account
Choose the account for which you want to create the ATM card PIN
Then, click on ‘Generate PIN’ under ‘ATM Card Services’
Finally, enter the four-digit card PIN and confirm the same
To activate your new ATM card:
Visit the nearest ATM and insert your card into the ATM machine.
Next, the screen prompts you to enter the ATM card number and your temporary PIN
Validate the request with an OTP sent on the registered mobile number
You can create a new PIN for your ATM card
Follow the screen instructions to enter your new PIN, and the bank activates your new ATM card.
Yes, you can use net banking or a mobile app to generate your ATM PIN for the first time. Here’s how:
Visit the website of the respective bank
Log in to the net banking portal with your username and password
Next, navigate to the ‘ATM card’ section on the net banking portal
Click on the ‘ATM PIN Generation’ option or ‘Create a PIN’
Select the account number to which the ATM card is linked and click on ‘Continue’
Then, follow the instructions provided on the net banking portal and you can generate your ATM.
Call your bank’s helpline from your registered mobile number and request an OTP. Once you receive it, visit any bank ATM, select ‘Generate PIN,’ enter the OTP, and set your new PIN.