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How to Change Your Debit Card PIN at Bank of America

Change Your PIN Online, by Phone, or at an ATM

You can change your Bank of America debit card PIN in three ways: through your online banking account, by calling customer service, or at any Bank of America ATM. The online method is fastest — it takes about two minutes and you see the change take effect right away. If you do not have online access set up, calling or visiting an ATM works just as well.

Your PIN is the four-digit code you enter when you use your debit card at an ATM or in-store. Changing it regularly, or whenever you think someone may have seen it, keeps your account safer. Bank of America does not charge you to change your PIN, and you can do it as many times as you need.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your PIN online through your Bank of America account, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or at any Bank of America ATM.
  • Online PIN changes take effect when ready, while phone and ATM changes may take a few minutes to process.
  • You will need your current PIN to change it online or by phone, so write down your new PIN in a safe place before you hang up or close the app.
  • If you forget your PIN entirely, you can reset it at an ATM or by calling customer service, but you will need to verify your identity first.

Change Your PIN Through Online Banking

Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the app, or click on your username in the top right on the website. Scroll down and tap or click "Debit Card Controls" or "Card Controls."

Select the debit card you want to change the PIN for. You may see a list if you have more than one card. Tap or click "Change PIN" or "Manage PIN." You will be asked to enter your current PIN first. Then type in your new four-digit PIN twice to confirm it matches. The system will tell you right away whether the change went through.

Write down your new PIN somewhere safe before you close the app or browser — not on the card itself, and not in your phone's notes app where someone could find it. Your new PIN is active when ready, so you can use it at an ATM or store right away.

Change Your PIN by Phone

Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-935-9935. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and other account details. This usually takes two to three minutes.

Once you are verified, tell the representative you want to change your debit card PIN. They will ask you for your current PIN, then ask you to say your new four-digit PIN out loud. The representative will repeat it back to you to make sure it is correct. Write it down when ready after the call ends, in a place where you will remember it but others will not find it.

The PIN change typically takes effect within a few minutes, though it can take up to an hour during busy times. If you are calling from a number Bank of America has on file for you, the process is faster.

Change Your PIN at an ATM

Insert your debit card into any Bank of America ATM. Enter your current PIN when prompted. Look for a menu option that says "Change PIN," "Manage PIN," or "PIN Services." Select that option.

The ATM will ask you to enter your current PIN again, then prompt you to enter your new four-digit PIN. Type it in, then type it again to confirm. The ATM will display a message confirming the change was successful. Your new PIN is active right away.

If you do not see a PIN change option on the ATM screen, your card may not support PIN changes at that particular machine. Try a different ATM or use the phone or online method instead.

What to Do If You Forget Your PIN

If you cannot remember your current PIN, you cannot change it using the online or phone methods — both require you to enter your old PIN first. Instead, go to any Bank of America ATM and select "Forgot PIN" or "Reset PIN." The ATM will ask you to verify your identity using your card and other information.

Once verified, the ATM will let you create a brand new PIN without knowing the old one. This process takes a few minutes. Your new PIN is active when ready after you confirm it.

If you do not have access to an ATM, call 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you forgot your PIN. They can reset it for you over the phone after verifying your identity, though this may take longer than using an ATM.

PIN Security Tips

Never share your PIN with anyone, including Bank of America employees or family members. Bank of America will never ask for your PIN by email, text, or phone call. If someone contacts you asking for your PIN, hang up or delete the message and call Bank of America directly at the number on the back of your card.

When you enter your PIN at an ATM or store, cover the keypad with your hand so no one standing nearby can see which numbers you press. Change your PIN if you think someone may have seen it, or if you have not changed it in several months.

Do not use a PIN that is straightforward to guess, like your birth year, your address, or a sequence like 1234. A random four-digit number is harder for someone to crack if they steal your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a PIN change to go into effect?

Online changes take effect when ready. Phone and ATM changes usually take a few minutes, though they can take up to an hour during peak banking times. You can use your new PIN right away in most cases, but if it does not work at first, wait a few minutes and try again.

Can I change my PIN if I am locked out of my online account?

Yes. Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit an ATM. Both methods work without logging into your online account. You will need to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and other details.

What if I change my PIN but it does not work at the store?

Wait a few minutes and try again — the change may not have processed yet. If it still does not work after 10 minutes, call customer service at 1-800-935-9935. There may be a delay on the merchant's end, or your card may need to be reactivated.

Do I have to change my PIN if I get a replacement card?

No. Your PIN stays the same when Bank of America sends you a replacement card. However, you can change it if you want to. The new card will work with your old PIN as soon as it arrives.

Can someone change my PIN if they have my card and current PIN?

Yes, which is why it is important to report a lost or stolen card right away. Call 1-800-935-9935 when ready to freeze the card. Bank of America can lock it so no one can use it or change the PIN.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.