Most banks offer a checking account for customers that applied for a debit card. The two most common debit cards are Visa debit card and MasterCard debit card. Debit card can be used to purchase items at an outlet store that accept debit card payment. When you first receive your debit card, you must activate it before attempting to use it. This activation procedure is necessary to prevent fraud.
To activate the debit card over the phone, dial the 1800 toll free number that comes with the activation instruction. The telephone number will direct you to an automatic prompts. You can find the toll free number on a sticker on the debit card. If you cannot find the toll free number on the sticker, it should be included separately in the envelope. The activation number is usually free of charge so it won’t charge to your telephone bill. Despite that, there are also some debit cards that do not offer toll free activation number.
Once you have dialed the number, you should receive an automated prompt that gives you instructions on how to activate the debit card. You should follow the instructions and enter the 16 digit number on the front of the debit card with your telephone key pad.
After that, you are required to enter some personal information. Most of the time, you will be asked to enter your social security number or the last four digits of your social security number. Occasionally, you may be prompted to enter your birth date or telephone number. The bank requires this extra information in order to verify your identity. The information will vary from different issuing banks.
Finally, you will be asked to choose a pin number for your new Visa debit card. The pin number will used to withdraw cash from the ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). You are also required to enter the pin number when making a purchase with your debit card in the supermarkets. The pin number enhances the security by adding a layer of protection against identity theft unlike signature based debit card which is more vulnerable since anyone can pick up and use it. In addition, pin number also offers a federal protection. In case you accidentally lost your card during a shopping spree, you can quickly make a police report. The pin number that you choose should be hard to guess and secure. You should avoid using your birth date or number that can easily be guessed by people who knows you. If someone happens to steal your purse and found your birth date, they will have access to the funds inside the debit card.
If you have followed the instructions, you will receive an automated response that states your card has been successfully activated. Once the Visa debit card is activated, you should remove the sticker on the card for safety purposes. Finally, you should sign your name at the back of the debit card before you are allowed to use it to purchase goods at a retail location.
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