Most credit cards in the US do not require a PIN for in-person purchases, but you will need one for cash advances and some international transactions

A PIN (personal identification number) is a four-digit code that proves you are the cardholder. Credit cards work differently from debit cards in this respect. When you swipe or insert a credit card at a store, the transaction goes through with your signature or a contactless tap — no PIN needed. The card issuer (your bank or credit card company) handles the verification later.

However, PINs do come into play in specific situations. If you want to withdraw cash using your credit card at an ATM, you must have a PIN. If you are traveling outside the US and need to use your card at a chip-and-PIN terminal — common in Europe, Asia, and Australia — you will need the PIN to complete the transaction. Some card issuers also require a PIN for online purchases or to unlock certain card features, though this is less common.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit cards do not require a PIN for regular store purchases in the US; your signature or contactless payment is sufficient.
  • You must set up a PIN if you plan to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card.
  • International travel often requires a PIN, especially in countries where chip-and-PIN terminals are standard.
  • Your card issuer can help you set or reset a PIN through their website, mobile app, or customer service line.

How to set up or change your credit card PIN

Most card issuers let you create or change your PIN through their mobile app or website. Log into your account, look for a section labeled "Card Settings," "Security," or "PIN Management," and follow the prompts to set a four-digit code. You choose the number — it does not have to be your birth date or Social Security number, and in fact should not be something easy to guess.

If you cannot find the PIN option online, call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative can walk you through the process or set a temporary PIN for you, which you can then change to something you prefer. Some issuers also allow you to set a PIN at an ATM the first time you try to withdraw cash, though this varies by bank.

If you forget your PIN, you can reset it the same way you set it up — through the app, website, or by calling customer service. There is no penalty for resetting it, and the process usually takes a few minutes.

Why chip-and-PIN terminals require a PIN outside the US

In most developed countries outside North America, payment terminals use chip-and-PIN technology as the standard. This means the card reader requires both the physical chip on your card and your PIN to authorize the transaction. The US has been slower to adopt this standard for credit cards, though it is becoming more common.

If you travel abroad and your credit card does not have a PIN set up, you may not be able to use it at unattended terminals like gas pumps, parking meters, or train ticket machines. Attended terminals (like a store counter) sometimes allow you to sign instead, but this is not may provide. Setting up a PIN before you travel prevents this problem entirely.

ATM cash advances and PIN requirements

When you use a credit card to withdraw cash at an ATM, the transaction is treated as a cash advance, not a regular purchase. Cash advances come with higher fees and interest rates than standard credit card purchases — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, plus a higher APR that starts accruing immediately (no grace period). Because of this, your card issuer requires a PIN to prevent unauthorized withdrawals.

You can only withdraw up to your credit limit, but your available credit for cash advances is often lower than your total limit. Check your card's terms or call customer service to find out your cash advance limit before you go to an ATM.

Contactless payments and PIN requirements

Contactless payments — tapping your card or phone near a reader — do not require a PIN for small transactions. In the US, most contactless purchases under $100 go through without any verification. However, some card issuers or merchants may ask for a PIN or signature on larger contactless transactions as an extra security step.

If you are using a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, the phone itself requires biometric verification (your fingerprint or face) or a PIN to unlock before the payment goes through, so the credit card PIN is not needed.

What happens if you do not set up a PIN

If you never set up a PIN, you can still use your credit card for everyday purchases in the US without any problem. You will be able to sign, use contactless payment, or insert your chip card at a terminal. The only time you will run into trouble is if you try to withdraw cash at an ATM or use your card at a chip-and-PIN terminal abroad.

Many people who rarely travel internationally or use ATMs never set up a PIN and do not need one. However, it takes only a few minutes to set one up, and having it available means you have more payment options if your situation changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my credit card at an ATM if they do not know my PIN?

No. The PIN is required to withdraw cash, so without it, an ATM will reject the transaction. This is one reason why setting a PIN is a good security practice — it protects you if your card is lost or stolen and someone tries to drain your credit line with cash advances.

Do I need a different PIN for my credit card and debit card?

You can use the same PIN for both if your bank allows it, but many people choose different ones for security. Check with your bank about their policy. You set each PIN separately through your account.

What if a store asks for my PIN at checkout?

In the US, stores should not ask for your credit card PIN at the register — they ask for a signature or accept contactless payment instead. If a cashier asks for your PIN, do not give it. This is a common fraud tactic. Report it to your card issuer and the store's management.

Can I use my credit card at a gas pump without a PIN?

Yes, in the US. Gas pumps accept credit cards with a signature or chip verification, no PIN required. However, if you are traveling internationally, some gas pumps may have chip-and-PIN terminals that require a PIN.