What is PIN and how does it work?

What is PIN and how does it work?

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) plays a key role in helping keep your prepaid card secure. Whether you're withdrawing cash from an ATM or making a purchase at a store, your PIN helps verify that you are the authorized cardholder.
Warning
Note all card program has PIN functionality. Refer to your cardholder agreement for more information.

What is a PIN?

A PIN is a 4-digit security code used to authorize certain card transactions. It ensures that only the cardholder can access the card’s available funds. You may be prompted to enter your PIN when:
  1. Withdrawing cash from an ATM
  2. Making a purchase at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal
  3. Using other card-related services that require verification
When you enter your PIN, the system checks it against what’s on file. If it matches, your transaction is approved. If not, it may be declined, and multiple failed attempts can temporarily lock your card for security reasons.

PINs in the United States

Cards issued in the U.S. use an Online PIN system.

How it works

When you enter your PIN during a transaction, it is securely sent to the card issuer for verification. The issuer checks the PIN in real time and sends back an approval or decline response. Because this process requires a live connection to the issuer’s system, it is referred to as Online PIN verification.

Why it's secure

Your PIN is not stored on the card or the store’s payment terminal. All verification is handled securely by the card issuer's system.

PIN Change (U.S. only)

You can change your PIN at any time through your program's cardholder portal which is written on the back of your card. Once updated, the new PIN is active immediately and ready for use.

PINs in Canada

Cards issued in Canada use an Offline PIN system.

How it works

When you enter your PIN at a terminal, it is verified locally using the encrypted data stored on the chip of your card. No network connection is needed, which is helpful in areas with limited connectivity. Due to Canada using an Offline PIN system, you may be required to "download" the PIN prior to using the card. There are a few ways to do this: 
  1. ATM - by entering the card into the ATM machine, either to withdraw the funds or simply check your balance,  the PIN will be downloaded onto the card and you will be able to use the card.
  2. Card being declined 3 times at POS - When the card is declined 3 times at POS, you will be able to successfully use the card at the 4th attempt. 

Why it's secure

The PIN stays stored securely on the card chip. It is not transmitted over a network, which helps reduce potential risks.
Info
It is recommended that cardholders first use the card at a terminal that has network connectivity e.g. ATM to update PIN information on the card. This is especially important for users that have exceeded their PIN attempts.

PIN View 

For Canadian cardholders, PIN View feature is available through the cardholder portal. This allows you to securely view your existing PIN whenever you need it.

    • Recent Articles

    • What is PIN and how does it work?

      Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) plays a key role in helping keep your prepaid card secure. Whether you're withdrawing cash from an ATM or making a purchase at a store, your PIN helps verify that you are the authorized cardholder. Note all ...

    • I would like to file a complaint. How should I proceed? (For cards issued by Equitable Bank)

      Customer Complaints Resolution Guide (Equitable Bank) At Cardholder Support, we are committed to providing you with the best possible customer experience and high-quality products and services. While we are always delighted to receive any positive ...

    • Mobile Wallet - Services Terms of Use

      These Terms of Use for Mobile Payment Services (the “Terms”) apply when you choose to add a prepaid card issued by Peoples Trust Company (“Card”) to an eligible mobile payment wallet (each, a “Wallet”). In these Terms, “you” and “your” refer to the ...

    • Our Privacy Policy

      Last Updated: January 1, 2022 For Canada and US Our Commitment At Cardholder Support, we are committed to protecting your privacy and confidential information while maintaining strong practices in the handling of all Personal Information. This ...

    • Fraud FAQ

      Do you have a particular question that wasn't answered by our original fraud article? Have a look here as well: How can I protect my card information or the safety of my physical or virtual card? It is your responsibility to track your account ...