set up your card online, by phone, or at an ATM

Bank of America sends debit cards inactive so you have to turn them on before you can use them. You have three ways to do this: through your online banking account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or by inserting the card into a Bank of America ATM. The fastest route is usually online if you already have your login set up — it takes about two minutes. Phone set up works if you prefer to speak to someone, and ATM set up works if you're already at a branch.

Your card arrives in a security envelope with a temporary PIN printed inside. You'll need this PIN to set up at an ATM. For online or phone set up, you'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the card number itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can set up your Bank of America debit card online through your account, by phone at the number on the back of the card, or at any Bank of America ATM.
  • Online set up is usually fastest and takes about two minutes if you already have your login information.
  • Your card comes with a temporary PIN in the security envelope — you'll need this to set up at an ATM.
  • Once activated, you can use your card when ready at stores, ATMs, and online, but you should change your PIN to something only you know.

set up online through your Bank of America account

Log into your Bank of America online banking account or the mobile app. Go to the "Accounts" or "Cards" section — the exact name depends on which version you're using. Look for an option that says "set up Card" or "set up Debit Card." Click it.

The system will show you the last four digits of your new card and ask you to confirm it's the one you want to set up. Select yes. Bank of America will then ask for your Social Security number and date of birth to verify your identity. Enter these exactly as they appear in your account. Once verified, your card will set up when ready, and you'll see a confirmation message on screen.

After set up, you should change your PIN. Go to the "Cards" section of your account, find your debit card, and look for "Change PIN" or "Manage PIN." The temporary PIN that came in your envelope will stop working once you set a new one.

set up by phone if you don't have online access

Call the number printed on the back of your debit card. A Bank of America representative will answer and ask you to confirm your identity — they'll request your Social Security number, date of birth, and the card number. Have these ready before you call.

Once verified, the representative will set up your card over the phone. This usually takes about five minutes. Ask them to set a temporary PIN for you if you don't want to use the one that came in the envelope, or ask how to change it after set up. The representative can also answer questions about using your card or setting up your account.

set up at a Bank of America ATM with your temporary PIN

If you have the temporary PIN from your security envelope, you can set up your card at any Bank of America ATM without calling or logging in online. Insert your new debit card into the ATM and enter the temporary PIN when prompted. The ATM will walk you through the set up steps.

Once the ATM confirms your card is active, you can use it when ready. However, you should change your PIN as soon as possible — either at the ATM itself (most machines have a "Change PIN" option in the menu) or through your online account later.

What to do if your card won't set up

If you get an error message during online set up, make sure you're entering your Social Security number and date of birth exactly as they appear in your Bank of America records. A mismatch will block set up. If the problem continues, call the number on the back of your card and ask a representative to set up it for you instead.

If you've lost the temporary PIN from your envelope, don't try to guess it — you'll lock yourself out. Call the number on the back of your card or visit a Bank of America branch in person. A representative can issue you a new PIN or set up the card without one.

If your card is damaged or won't read in the ATM, contact Bank of America to request a replacement card. You can do this through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your current card.

Change your PIN after set up

The PIN that comes in your envelope is temporary and meant only for set up. You should change it to a four-digit number that only you know. You can do this through your online account by going to your card settings and selecting "Change PIN," or at any Bank of America ATM by selecting the PIN change option from the menu.

Choose a PIN that isn't your birthday, address, or any other number someone could guess. Don't write it down or share it with anyone. If you forget your PIN after changing it, you can reset it through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card.

Use your card right after set up

Once your card is activated, you can use it when ready at any store that accepts Visa debit cards, at Bank of America ATMs to withdraw cash, and online for purchases. You don't have to wait for anything else to happen — set up is the only step between receiving the card and using it.

If you're making a purchase at a store, you can choose to run it as a debit transaction (you'll enter your PIN) or as a credit transaction (you'll sign a receipt). Both pull money from your checking account. Online purchases always run as credit transactions, but the money still comes from your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. Bank of America debit cards are blocked until you set up them. Trying to use an inactive card will be declined at the register or ATM. set up takes just a few minutes online, by phone, or at an ATM, so you can use your card the same day you receive it.

What if I set up my card but forget to change the temporary PIN?

The temporary PIN will work until you change it, but you should change it as soon as possible for security. Anyone who sees your security envelope could use that PIN. Change it through your online account or at an ATM — it takes about two minutes.

Do I have to set up my card at a Bank of America location?

No. You can set up online, by phone, or at any Bank of America ATM. You don't need to visit a branch unless you've lost your PIN or your card is damaged. Phone and online set up work from anywhere.

What happens if I lose my card before activating it?

Contact Bank of America right away by calling the number on the back of your old card or logging into your account. Report the card as lost, and Bank of America will cancel it and send you a replacement. The replacement will also arrive inactive and will need to be activated the same way.

Can someone else set up my card for me?

No. Bank of America requires you to verify your identity with your Social Security number and date of birth before set up. Only you can provide this information. If you need help, call the number on the back of the card and a representative can walk you through the process.