Debit Card PIN: What You Need to Know
Overview
On April 1, 2013, legislation called the Durbin Amendment went into effect which requires all debit cards to offer a PIN number in addition to being able to sign for purchases.
- PIN numbers are not required to use your debit card. You can continue to use the card by signing for purchases.
- Purchases made using a PIN could be denied if the merchant decides not to allow healthcare purchases on the PIN network.
- PIN numbers cannot be changed.
- If you enter the wrong PIN more than three times, the card is locked.
Debit Card PIN Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PIN to continue to use my debit card?
No. You can continue using the debit card by signing for your purchases.
What is a debit card PIN?
A personal identification number (PIN) is a unique four digit number sent to you upon request and can not be customized. Our service team does not have access to this number so if you forget it, a copy of your PIN will be mailed to you from our debit card vendor upon request.
If I get a PIN number, can I access funds at an ATM?
No. The PIN number can only be used when making a purchase. You can continue to use your card without a PIN number to make purchases.
What happens if I enter the wrong PIN?
If you enter your PIN number incorrectly more than 3 times, your card will be locked for all purchases including signing for the expense. You will need to contact customer service for assistance to make additional purchases.
Can I choose my own PIN number?
No. The system used by our debit card administrator does not allow customization of the PIN.
Can I use the same PIN number for all cards (mine and my dependents) listed on my account?
No. Each card will have their own specific PIN number and must be requested separately.
Can the merchant charge me additional fees if I choose not to use a PIN number?
No. Merchants cannot charge additional fees to health spending account debit cards when signing for purchases.
Are merchants required to allow PIN purchases for the card?
No. Merchants are not required to register their PIN network for medical expenses. Purchases made using a PIN could be denied. You can instead continue to sign for purchases.
What if I forget my PIN?
If you forget your PIN, you can still make purchases by signing for the expense. To have a new PIN reminder sent, please contact our customer service team. Note that for security reasons, our service team does not have access to your PIN number.
How do I request a PIN?
To request a PIN number, contact our customer service team at 1-800-859-2144. They will submit a request with our debit card vendor to have a PIN number mailed to you. Please allow up to three weeks to arrive in the mail.