Last Updated on November 21, 2023
On many occasions, I have been allowed to withdraw money without knowing my PIN. Now, note that I knew my debit card PIN but prioritized convenience over security during those occasions. So, that is to say, you can remove money from debit card without PIN.
This isn’t as simple as it looks, though, otherwise, too many people would have been complaining about unauthorized funds missing from their bank accounts. There are a couple of methods that work, and anybody can take advantage of them, as long as you own the account, of course. It will also depend on the circumstances and the policies of your bank on the use of debit cards to remove money.
Can I Withdraw Money from Debit Card Without PIN?
Yes, you can. However, you generally cannot directly withdraw money from an ATM using a debit card without entering your PIN (Personal Identification Number). Your debit card PIN is a security measure to ensure that only the authorized cardholder can access the funds. However, there are some alternative methods for accessing funds without a PIN, such as using contactless payment options, visiting a bank teller with identification, or using mobile banking apps for certain transactions.
Do ATMS Always Ask for PIN?
ATMs typically always ask for a PIN when a transaction is initiated. This ensures that the person using the card is the authorized cardholder.
The PIN is critical in the system for ATM transactions. Otherwise, there will be no strong protection against unauthorized access to your bank account. There are some exceptions, such as contactless transactions at certain ATMs as mentioned earlier. A PIN might not be required for small amounts, but these are less common in some places.
In general, for most transactions, especially those involving cash removal, balance inquiry, or deposit, you need a PIN—it is a standard banking requirement.
How to Remove Money from Debit Card Without PIN
1. Use a Bank Teller
Let’s say you stay in a small town, where everyone knows each other. If you have been banking with the local bank for years, and the tellers recognize you, they might just help you to remove money from debit card without PIN.
First, walk into the bank. You might feel a bit anxious because you have forgotten your PIN. But as I mentioned earlier, if your small town is where people know people, you are easily going to get this done at the teller.
Feel confident as you walk to a bank teller, preferably one who knows you well. Explain that you have forgotten your PIN but need to remove money from your debit card. The teller will ask for identification. It could be your driver’s license and the debit card.
The teller will check your ID carefully, and compare the photo and details with the information on their system. They may also ask you some security questions. Usually, this can be your mother’s maiden name, the name of your first pet, and the last transaction you remember making with the card.
Once satisfied with your identity, the teller will ask how much you want to withdraw. You tell them the amount, and they process the transaction manually, handing you the cash. You will be given a receipt and advised to reset your debit card PIN. Make sure to thank the teller. Leave a tip for the worthy service if necessary.
2. Mobile Banking App with Cardless ATM Withdrawal
Cardless ATMs use bank apps or contactless payment providers such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. These methods typically use a numerical code or near-field communication technology. By the way, the cardless ATM market was valued at $2 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach $5.2 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.6% from 2022 to 2031.
Let’s say you live in a busy city, far from your home branch, and need to remove money from debit card without PIN. The assumption here is that you have forgotten your debit card PIN. As long as you have your mobile phone and installed bank app, you might be able to access your funds.
Depending on your bank, the app may have a feature for cardless ATM withdrawals. Open the app on your smartphone and complete the biometric verification with your fingerprint to log in. Now, do the following:
- In the app, go to the Cardless Cash Withdrawal option.
- Enter the amount of cash you need.
- The app should generate a temporary code or QR code for the transaction. Note that this code will expire in a short time, usually 30 minutes.
- Use the app’s ATM locator to find a nearby ATM that supports cardless withdrawals.
- At the ATM, select the cardless withdrawal option. The machine will prompt you to enter the code or scan the QR code generated by your app.
- Once verified, the ATM dispenses the requested amount of cash.
At this point, you should receive a notification from the banking app, confirming the successful withdrawal.
3. Use a Check at a Retail Store
If you are out shopping at a large retail store, you just might be able to remove money from debit card without PIN. Do you want to make a purchase but don’t remember your debit card PIN? If you have your checkbook with you, you can bypass PIN on debit card.
Go ahead and select the items you need and head to the checkout counter. Don’t be nervous about not having your PIN. Remember, many stores offer cash back on check transactions. So, at the checkout, let the cashier that you’d like to pay by check and also receive cash back.
Now, fill out your check for the amount of your purchase plus the additional cash you need. For instance, if your purchase is $60 and you need $60 in cash, you write the check for $120. Regarding the ID verification, the cashier will ask for your driver’s license to verify your identity. They will compare the information on the check with your ID and the details on your debit card.
After running the check through a check scanner, which electronically processes the check, you should now get your receipt printout. That’s just how you beat using PIN on your debit card to shop in stores.
4. Over-the-Phone Funds Transfer to a Trusted Individual
You can shop from home even if you need cash but can’t remember your debit card PIN. Let’s say you decide to use a phone banking service to transfer funds to a trusted friend or family member who can withdraw the cash for you. You will have to call your bank’s phone banking service. Navigate through the automated menu, and select the option to speak with a customer service representative.
The representative will answer and ask you to verify your identity. You are to provide your account number, date of birth, and answer security questions.
Now, it’s time to verify your identity. Explain that you have forgotten your PIN and need to transfer money to a friend who can withdraw cash for you. Bank representatives are typically helpful and may guide you through setting up a one-time immediate funds transfer to your friend’s account. All you have to do is provide your friend’s account details and the amount to be transferred.
The representative will repeat the transaction details for your confirmation. So, it’s left for you to authorize the transfer verbally. Remember to call your friend, and inform them about the transfer. Ask them to withdraw the cash for you.
5. Use Debit Card as Credit Card at Point of Sale
Are you at a supermarket and have already filled your cart with groceries? At the checkout, if you’ve forgotten your debit card PIN, there might be a way out for you. Debit cards can often be processed as credit cards at many retailers. But first, convey to the cashier that you’d like to use your debit card as a credit card to pay for your items.
When prompted, swipe your debit card through the card reader. Instead of selecting ‘Debit’, you choose the ‘Credit’ option. The card reader processes the transaction and prompts you to sign for the purchase instead of entering a PIN. This is a standard procedure for credit transactions.
In some cases, the cashier might ask for an ID to match the signature you’ve just provided. You hand over your driver’s license, and the cashier verifies it quickly. The transaction will be approved, and the receipt printed. Sign the merchant copy of the receipt as required, collect your groceries and the receipt, that’s it. You just removed money from debit card without PIN by processing payment as a debit card.
6. Request a Cash Advance at a Bank Branch
If you need a large amount of cash, but you’ve forgotten your debit card PIN, your bank can provide cash advances on your debit card. I have crafted simple steps below to explain how this process works.
- Visit the nearest branch of your bank.
- Approach a bank representative and explain that you need a cash advance from your debit card but have forgotten your PIN.
- The representative asks for your debit card and a government-issued ID, it could be a driver’s license or passport. They verify your identity and check the account linked to the debit card.
- You will then be provided with a cash advance form to fill out. You enter the amount of cash you need and your account details.
- The transaction is manually processed. They might make a phone call or use their computer system to ensure everything is in order.
Once the transaction is approved, you get the cash and your receipt. You will be advised to reset your PIN as well.
7. Online Shopping with Debit Card (No PIN Required)
You can purchase a gift online even if you can’t remember your debit card PIN. Fortunately, online transactions typically don’t require a PIN. So, go ahead and browse an online store, find the perfect item, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout.
At the checkout page, you will be prompted to enter your payment details. You select the option to pay with a debit card. Carefully enter your debit card number, the expiration date, and the CVV (the three-digit number on the back of the card). These details are required for online transactions instead of a PIN.
Make sure that the billing address matches the one associated with your debit card. This is a crucial step for the transaction’s verification. Before you complete the purchase, review the order summary—there should be no mistakes.
Click on the ‘Place Order’ or ‘Complete Purchase’ button (whichever one the online store uses). The website will process the transaction.m successfully. You should receive an email confirming your order and the successful transaction.
8. Pay at a Restaurant Without PIN
Just finished a meal at a restaurant and it’s time to pay? It does not matter if you have forgotten your debit card PIN. When the waiter brings your bill, inform the waiter that you’d like to pay with your debit card but can’t remember your PIN. Ask if they can process the card as a credit transaction.
The waiter will take your card to the payment terminal, swipe or insert the card, and select the credit option. This option doesn’t require a PIN. In a matter of minutes, you should get a receipt for you to sign for the credit transaction. In some cases, the waiter might ask for an ID to match the signature. You provide a driver’s license or another form of identification. If possible, leave a tip as appropriate, and leave the restaurant.
9. Pay at a Gas Pump with Contactless Payment
Your card supports contactless payments, and most gas pumps are equipped with a contactless reader. Locate the contactless symbol on the pump, if any, then it accepts this form of payment. Follow these steps to remove money from debit card without PIN using contactless payment:
- Hold your debit card near the contactless reader. The reader’s light should blink to show that it’s processing the card.
- The pump screen shows that the card has been read successfully. Since it’s a contactless transaction, you’re not required to enter a PIN.
- Select the type of fuel you need and begin fueling your car. The pump displays the amount of fuel and the cost in real time.
- Finally, you get a receipt printout.
10. Pay with a Mobile Wallet
Use a mobile wallet linked to your debit card for the transaction. To set up the mobile wallet, open the mobile wallet app on your smartphone. You’ve previously added your debit card to this wallet, so it’s ready to use. Otherwise, go ahead and link your debit card to it—you won’t be required to use a PIN.
Browse through an online store and select the items you wish to purchase. Proceed to the checkout page. On the payment page, you choose the option to pay with a mobile wallet, like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
The mobile wallet app will ask you for authentication. You use your fingerprint or face recognition for a secure and quick verification to process the payment. The online store confirms the transaction, and you receive an email receipt. You might be required to provide OTP as a form of authentication if your mobile payment app only acts as a mediator between your card and the online store.
Where is 4 Digit PIN on Debit Card?
The 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) for a debit card is not printed on the card itself. Instead, it is a secret code that you set up or receive from your bank when you get your card. You need to remember this PIN and keep it confidential; it’s used for secure transactions like ATM withdrawals or point-of-sale purchases.
Final Thoughts
Your next question should be, “How do I find my debit card PIN?” Of course, you need to find it or reset it using your mobile app. Your bank or customer service will only advise you to reset it as they do not know your PIN either. If necessary, ask them to guide you to reset it using the banking app.
