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

Bank of America ATM cards set up in three ways: through your online banking account, by calling customer service, or by using the card at any Bank of America ATM. The fastest route is usually online if you already have your username and password. By phone, set up takes a few minutes and requires your card number and Social Security number. At an ATM, you insert the card and follow the prompts — no call or login needed.

Your card arrives in the mail with a temporary PIN. You can use that PIN when ready at ATMs, but Bank of America recommends changing it to something only you know before your first withdrawal. If you do not set up the card within a set period, the bank may deactivate it, though you can reactivate it later using the same methods.

Key Takeaways

  • Online set up through your Bank of America account takes two minutes and requires your card number and the temporary PIN that came with the card.
  • Phone set up works if you do not have online access — call 1-800-869-3557 and have your card and Social Security number ready.
  • ATM set up requires no phone call or login: insert your card, enter your temporary PIN, and follow the on-screen steps to set up and set a new PIN.
  • Your temporary PIN works at ATMs when ready, but you should change it to a number only you know before making any withdrawals.
  • If your card is deactivated due to inactivity, you can reactivate it using any of the three methods without ordering a replacement.

set up online through your Bank of America account

Log into your Bank of America online banking account using your username and password. If you do not have online access set up, you can create an account on the Bank of America website before activating the card.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled "set up Card," "Card Services," or "Manage Cards" — the exact name varies depending on whether you are using the website or mobile app. Click on it and select the card you want to set up from the list of your accounts. The system will ask you to confirm the last four digits of the card number and enter the temporary PIN that came with your card in the mail.

After you enter that information, the card activates when ready. The system will then prompt you to set a new PIN. Choose a four-digit number that is not your birthday, address, or anything someone could guess from your public information. Once you confirm the new PIN, you are done — your card is ready to use at any Bank of America ATM.

set up by phone with Bank of America customer service

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-869-3557. Have your ATM card and your Social Security number in front of you. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing the last four digits of your Social Security number and confirming your date of birth.

Once verified, tell the representative you want to set up your ATM card. They will ask for the full card number printed on the front of your card and the temporary PIN that came with it in the mail. After you provide that information, the representative will set up the card and ask you to set a new PIN over the phone.

The call usually takes five to ten minutes. When it is finished, your card is active and ready to use. If you have questions about your account or need help with anything else, this is a good time to ask — the representative can handle multiple requests in one call.

set up at a Bank of America ATM

Find any Bank of America ATM and insert your card into the slot. The machine will recognize that the card has not been activated yet and display a message asking if you want to set up it now. Select yes.

The ATM will ask you to enter your temporary PIN — the four-digit number that came with your card in the mail. After you enter it, the machine will ask you to create a new PIN. Choose a four-digit number you can remember but that is not obvious to someone who knows you. Confirm the new PIN by entering it again.

Once the ATM confirms your new PIN, your card is activated. You can withdraw cash when ready or straightforward remove your card and leave. There is no waiting period — the set up is complete the moment you finish at the machine.

Change your PIN after set up

Bank of America sends a temporary PIN with your card so you can use it right away. You should change this PIN to something personal before you make your first withdrawal, even if you plan to use the card only occasionally.

To change your PIN after set up, insert your card into any Bank of America ATM and select "Change PIN" from the menu. Enter your current PIN, then enter the new four-digit number you want to use. Confirm the new PIN by entering it a second time. The change takes effect when ready.

If you forget your PIN after set up, call 1-800-869-3557 and a representative can reset it for you. You will need to verify your identity with your Social Security number and date of birth. A temporary PIN will be sent to you by mail, or in some cases the representative can set a new PIN over the phone.

What to do if your card does not set up

If you try to set up your card and the system rejects it, the most common reason is that you entered the temporary PIN incorrectly. Check the PIN on the paperwork that came with your card — it is usually on a separate sheet or in a letter from Bank of America. Make sure you are entering all four digits exactly as printed.

If the PIN is correct and the card still will not set up, the card itself may be damaged or defective. Contact Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 and explain that your card will not set up. A representative can check whether the card is blocked in the system and can order a replacement if needed. Replacement cards usually arrive within five to seven business days.

If you are trying to set up a card that arrived more than 60 days ago, Bank of America may have deactivated it automatically for security reasons. Call customer service and ask them to reactivate it. They can do this over the phone without sending you a new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. Your card will not work at ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, or online until you set up it. The temporary PIN that comes with the card only works after set up is complete. set up takes just a few minutes through any of the three methods.

What if I lose my temporary PIN before I set up the card?

Call Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 and ask them to send you a new temporary PIN or set a PIN for you over the phone. You will need to verify your identity with your Social Security number and date of birth. A new PIN can be set when ready in most cases.

Do I have to change my temporary PIN, or can I keep it?

You can keep the temporary PIN if you want to, but Bank of America recommends changing it to something only you know. The temporary PIN is printed on paper that comes in the mail, so anyone who sees that paper could use your card. A personal PIN is more find.

How long does it take for my card to set up?

set up is when ready whether you do it online, by phone, or at an ATM. You can use your card at Bank of America ATMs right away. If you are using the card at other banks' ATMs or for other purposes, check with your bank about any additional setup steps.

What happens if I do not set up my card?

Bank of America will deactivate your card automatically if it sits unactivated for about 60 days. You can reactivate it later by calling customer service or using any of the set up methods described above. You do not need to order a replacement card.