https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857276#M1897745 <P>I think this would be for situations where you wanted to make a cash withdrawal / advance against your credit card account</P> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:41:47 GMT pizzadude 2026-02-24T21:41:47Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857274#M1897743 <P>Forgive my ignorance. I had no idea credit cards had PINs. Are they like Debit Card PINs.<BR /><BR />My BofA Atoms Rewards Cards gives an option to mail my PIN? Is that just that card, or do all cc's have PINs, and do I need to know them?</P> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:30:26 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857274#M1897743 E36 2026-02-24T21:30:26Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857275#M1897744 <P>Same as debit card.</P><P>Usually only for cash advance from ATM's.</P><P>Some transactions out of the US also might ask.</P><P>Have them in my data records, but could not use one on the fly for my everyday carry.</P><P>&nbsp;</P> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:41:43 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857275#M1897744 Kforce 2026-02-24T21:41:43Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857276#M1897745 <P>I think this would be for situations where you wanted to make a cash withdrawal / advance against your credit card account</P> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:41:47 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857276#M1897745 pizzadude 2026-02-24T21:41:47Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857277#M1897746 <P><a href="https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/1178064">@E36</a>&nbsp;</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>A <STRONG>credit card PIN (Personal Identification Number)</STRONG> is a 4-digit code linked to your credit card. It’s similar to a debit card PIN in how it works, but it’s <STRONG>used in fewer situations</STRONG>.</P><P>You’re not ignorant at all — many people in the U.S. rarely use their credit card PIN and don’t even realize they have one.</P><HR /><H2>🔐 What is a Credit Card PIN Used For?</H2><P>A credit card PIN is typically required for:</P><OL><LI><P><STRONG>Cash advances at an ATM</STRONG><BR />If you withdraw cash using your credit card, you must enter your PIN.</P></LI><LI><P><STRONG>Chip-and-PIN transactions (outside the U.S.)</STRONG><BR />In places like Europe, unattended kiosks (train stations, parking machines) may require a PIN instead of a signature.</P></LI><LI><P><STRONG>Some in-person transactions</STRONG><BR />Rare in the U.S., but some terminals may request a PIN.</P></LI></OL><HR /><H2>💳 Is It Like a Debit Card PIN?</H2><P>Yes — mechanically it works the same way (you enter a 4-digit code at a keypad).</P><P>But the <STRONG>big difference</STRONG>:</P><UL><LI><P><STRONG>Debit card PIN</STRONG> → pulls money directly from your bank account</P></LI><LI><P><STRONG>Credit card PIN</STRONG> → borrows money from your credit line</P></LI></UL><P>And unlike debit cards, credit cards usually allow you to sign instead of entering a PIN (especially in the U.S.).</P><HR /><H2>🏦 About Your <SPAN class=""><SPAN class="">Bank of America</SPAN></SPAN> (BofA) Card</H2><P>If your Bank of America card offers to mail you a PIN:</P><UL><LI><P>Yes, your card <EM>does</EM> have a PIN option.</P></LI><LI><P>Most major credit cards allow you to request or set one.</P></LI><LI><P>You <STRONG>do not need to know it</STRONG> unless you:</P><UL><LI><P>Plan to use your card for cash advances</P></LI><LI><P>Travel internationally</P></LI><LI><P>Want it for backup in case a machine requires PIN entry</P></LI></UL></LI></UL><P>So it’s not just your card — <STRONG>almost all major credit cards have PIN capability</STRONG>, even if people rarely use it.</P><HR /><H2>⚠️ Important: Cash Advances Are Expensive</H2><P>If you’re thinking about using the PIN for ATM withdrawals, be careful:</P><UL><LI><P>Interest starts <STRONG>immediately</STRONG></P></LI><LI><P>Higher APR than normal purchases</P></LI><LI><P>Cash advance fees (often 3–5%)</P></LI></UL><P>It’s usually best avoided unless it’s an emergency.</P><HR /><H3>Bottom Line</H3><UL><LI><P>Yes, credit cards have PINs.</P></LI><LI><P>No, most people in the U.S. don’t regularly use them.</P></LI><LI><P>You only need it for specific situations (ATM withdrawals or some international transactions).</P></LI></UL><P>If you’d like, tell me whether you travel internationally or plan to use ATMs — I can tell you whether it’s worth setting up.</P> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:42:37 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/What-is-a-credit-card-PIN/m-p/6857277#M1897746 portlandmusician 2026-02-24T21:42:37Z