Last updated on September 18th, 2018
When a person receives a new debit card, either as a replacement card or through opening a new account, the debit card will need to be activated.
As debit cards are usually sent to account holders through the post they aren’t activated when mailed. If they were pre-activated, there would be a greater likelihood of the cards being stolen and used fraudulently. So when an account holder gets a new debit card, it is inert and will need to be activated prior to use.
There are usually two ways to activate a new debit card, either over the telephone or online.
To activate the debit card over the phone, the account holder rings up the issuing bank on the normal customer service number, usually provided on the card. There’s usually some automatic signing-in procedure, which is seen by the bank as an adequate way of establishing identity. However, if the account holder has never registered for telephone banking service for this account, this may need to be done first, and that may require some form of identification.
In some cases there’s an automated procedure to activate the debit card. But most of the time the account holder will be expected to activate the debit card after talking to a customer services operator.
The other way to activate a new debit card is over the internet, via the bank’s normal online banking portal or platform. Like activating the card over the phone, the account holder must first be pre-authorised to use the bank’s website. This can usually be done by registering online, creating a user account with a password, and entering the numbers printed on the debit card.
If the debit card user is pre-authorised, then using the internet has several advantages. It is quicker, requiring a few clicks, with no need to wait for an operator. It can also be done at any time of the day or night.
Requiring activation of debit cards before use protects both the bank and the account holder against fraud. It is a relatively simple procedure that can save everyone the pain and frustration of a compromised account.
Binu mpaul
January 16, 2021My atm debit card activated?
admin
January 21, 2021Hi Binu, you would need to contact your bank that have provided the debit card in order to activate the card.
Chris
March 9, 2017Is there a time limit on activating my st George card as I won’t be able to get to a branch for a couple of weeks and I cannot hear on the phone thank you
admin
March 13, 2017Hi Chris, I’m not sure if there is a time limit. As long as you have your activation code you should be able to do it online by visiting St.George’s website. Hope this helps.
Emily
February 7, 2017I need to activate my new card
admin
March 13, 2017Hi Emily, you need to call the bank or issuer of your debit card. Other option is to go into the bank branch to activate your new debit card. Hope that helps.
martin kitur
January 31, 2017which is the CRN number in the ANZ debit card
admin
March 13, 2017Hi Martin, your CRN or Customer Registration Number is the number that identifies you as an ANZ Internet Banking customer. This may be a nine digit number provided to you by an ANZ Customer Service Consultant. It may also be your 15 or 16 digit card number. Please note that your CRN is NOT your ANZ account number. If you have any troubles you can contact ANZ Internet helpdesk directly on 13 33 50. Hope this helps.
Matilda Mosby
October 11, 2014I have been issued a new nab visa debit card and had signed and posted the form but one of the accounts (i have 2) 1 is a nab reward savers and the other is just a visa debit account under the 1 card i have been issued but its not activated. I have tried purchasing an item and using an atm to check the balance to activate it but to no avail. How can i activate it when i signed and posted the form off?
Amy
October 14, 2014Hi Matilda, you might have to call or go into an NAB branch to activate your new debit card. Banks often have this step as an added security measure. The NAB customer service number is 13 22 65. Hope that helps.