How to Activate a Visa Debit Card Over the Phone
Most banks will provide their checking account customers with a debit card to complement their checking account. Two common debit cards carry a "Visa" or "MasterCard" logo. The debit card can be used in places wherever cards with those logos are accepted, but it must first be activated. The activation process for most cards is quite similar, in that you have to acknowledge that you have received the card and that you are the person for whom the card was intended.
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Instructions
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Dial the telephone number that has been designated for your Visa debit card activation. This telephone number will be included with your card when it arrives in the mail. The number is likely on a sticker located on the debit card. The activation telephone number in most cases will be a toll free number, but this varies by card provider.
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Listen to the menu prompts. Choose the menu option to activate your Visa debit card.
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Enter your Visa debit card number using your telephone keypad. This will be the 16 digit number, starting with "4" that is located on the front of your Visa card.
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Enter other information as required by the prompts. For example, you may be asked to enter your social security number or the last four digits of your social security number, your date of birth and telephone number to verify your identity. The pieces of information that need to be provided will vary by provider.
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Choose a pin for your Visa debit card. Generally, this will be a 4-digit number that will be required to use your card at ATM machines or with "Point of Sale" systems.
When choosing a pin, choose something that is secure instead of using your birthday, the last four digits of your social security number or a series of consecutive numbers. If your wallet is stolen and your debit card is inside, someone can easily look at your other identification to see your birthday and social security number. This will give them easy access to your funds.
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Wait for the prompt advising you that your card has been successfully activated.
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