Debit cards or ATM cards let you conduct seamless financial transactions from your bank accounts without physically visiting your local branch. Whether it is about making online payments for shopping or withdrawing cash from your bank account, ATM cards come in handy. 

Nevertheless, when you apply for a new ATM card or renew your card, you must activate it first to conduct multiple financial transactions. Let us find out how to activate an ATM card seamlessly. 

How to Activate an ATM Card in an ATM?

One of the convenient ways to activate your ATM card is via an ATM machine. Follow these steps to activate an ATM card the first time through an ATM:

Step 1: Visit the nearest ATM and insert your card into the machine.

Step 2: Select ‘Set/Create PIN’ from the list of options.

Step 3: Enter the four-digit PIN you have received in the welcome kit along with the debit or ATM card.

Step 3: Create a new PIN for your debit card for future financial transactions.

Step 4: The PIN will be activated within a few seconds, and you can use it to conduct financial transactions through your ATM card.

How to Activate an ATM Card via Net Banking?

You can activate an ATM card online by using the net banking facility of your bank by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official net banking portal of your bank.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Debit Card’ section to activate your ATM card.

Step 3: Choose the ‘Generate/Create PIN’ to proceed with the activation process.

Step 4: Enter a unique four-digit PIN for your ATM card to activate it.

Step 5: Follow the instructions on the screen to activate your ATM card through the online procedure.

How to Activate an ATM Card via Phone Banking?

Just like net banking, you can seamlessly activate your ATM card through a phone banking facility. To do this, you can follow these steps to activate your ATM card successfully:

Step 1: Contact the customer care number of the ATM card bank provider.

Step 2: Provide the phone banking PIN you have received in your welcome kit.

Step 3: Enter a unique four-digit PIN according to your choice to activate your card.

Step 4: Once you have entered the PIN, you will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number about the activation of your ATM card.  

How to Activate an ATM Card by SMS?

You can activate an ATM card by SMS by sending a message from your registered mobile number to your bank. You can check the welcome kit for the bank SMS number to send the message. 

Once you have sent the message to the bank, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. The OTP will be valid for two days, and you must visit the nearest ATM of your bank to activate your ATM card. 

Other Ways to Activate ATM or Debit Cards

Apart from the ways mentioned above, you can activate your ATM card by visiting the nearest branch where you have your bank account. Once you reach the bank, you can request the bank officials to activate your ATM card. The bank officials will guide you through the process of activating your ATM card. 

Overall, activating your ATM card is an easy and significant step in your financial journey. You can activate an ATM card through various methods. It ensures your card’s security and enables you to utilise the benefits of several financial possibilities. However, you must keep your card and its information safe to prevent fraudulent activities.

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