You get a debit card by opening a checking account at a bank or credit union, then requesting the card

A debit card arrives as part of opening a checking account. You do not order it separately or go through a special process — when you open the account, the bank issues you a card automatically, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use a temporary digital card in your phone while you wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

If you already have a checking account but do not have a debit card, you can call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person and ask for one. There is no fee to request a replacement card, and the bank will mail it to the address on file.

Key Takeaways

  • A debit card is issued automatically when you open a checking account — you do not need to request it separately.
  • The physical card typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days, though many banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately.
  • If you already have an account without a card, call your bank or visit a branch to request one at no cost.
  • You will need to set a PIN (personal identification number) before you can use the card at an ATM or in person at a store.
  • The card works only with the checking account it is linked to — you cannot use it to withdraw from savings or other account types.

What happens when you open a checking account

When you walk into a bank branch or open an account online, the banker or website will ask you to choose an account type. Most banks offer a basic checking account, and that is the account that comes with a debit card. Savings accounts do not come with debit cards — only checking accounts do.

During the account opening, you will provide your name, address, Social Security number, and initial deposit (usually $25 to $100, though some banks have no minimum). The bank will then issue a debit card linked to that checking account. You will receive the card in the mail within one to two weeks.

Some banks, including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, let you start using a temporary card number in their mobile app the same day you open the account. This temporary number works for online purchases and contactless payments right away, so you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.

Setting your PIN and activating the card

When your physical debit card arrives, you will need to set a PIN (personal identification number) before you can use it. The PIN is a four-digit code that protects your account if someone steals the card.

You set the PIN either by calling the customer service number on the back of the card, visiting an ATM, or logging into your online banking account. The bank will ask you to choose a number you can remember but that is not obvious — not your birth year or address. Once you set the PIN, you can use the card immediately at ATMs, stores, and online.

Some banks require you to activate the card by calling a phone number or clicking a link in an email before the PIN step. Check the paperwork that came with the card — it will tell you the exact steps for your bank.

How to request a card if you already have an account

If you opened a checking account years ago and never received a debit card, or if your card was lost or damaged, you can request a new one without opening a new account.

Call the customer service number on the back of your current debit card, or if you do not have one, call the main branch number for your bank. Tell them you want to request a debit card. They will confirm your identity by asking for your account number, Social Security number, and the address on file. The bank will mail the card to you at no charge, and it will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

If you need a card faster, some banks will issue a temporary digital card over the phone that you can use in your mobile wallet the same day. Ask the customer service representative whether this option is available.

What to do when the card arrives

When your debit card arrives in the mail, open the envelope carefully. Inside you will find the card itself, a PIN mailer (a separate piece of mail with your temporary PIN), and instructions from the bank.

Do not use the temporary PIN from the mailer. Instead, call the number on the back of the card or log into your online banking account and set your own PIN — one that only you know. Once you have set your PIN, the card is active and ready to use.

Keep the card in a safe place, just like you would a wallet. The card is linked directly to your checking account, so anyone who has the card and knows the PIN can withdraw your money.

Using your debit card for the first time

Your debit card works in three ways: at a store by swiping or inserting it, at an ATM by inserting it and entering your PIN, and online by typing in the card number.

At a store, you can choose to pay with your PIN (called a PIN debit transaction) or by signing a receipt (called a signature debit transaction). Both pull money directly from your checking account. PIN debit is slightly more secure because it requires something only you know. Signature debit is faster because you do not have to enter anything.

At an ATM, you must enter your PIN. The ATM will ask how much cash you want to withdraw, and that amount will be deducted from your checking account balance immediately.

Online, you type in the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. The money comes out of your checking account just as it would at a store.

Fees and limits you should know about

Most banks do not charge a fee just for having a debit card. However, your checking account itself may have a monthly fee if you do not meet certain requirements — like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Check your account agreement to see what those requirements are.

You may be charged a fee if you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank. For example, if you bank at a local credit union but withdraw cash from a chain ATM, the ATM operator may charge you $2 to $3. Your bank may also charge you a small fee for the same transaction. To avoid this, use ATMs owned by your bank or credit union.

There is usually a daily limit on how much cash you can withdraw from an ATM — often $300 to $500, depending on your bank. If you need more cash, you can withdraw it at a bank branch with your debit card and ID, and there is no limit for in-branch withdrawals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a debit card after opening an account?

The physical card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Many banks offer a temporary digital card in their mobile app that you can use for online purchases and contactless payments the same day you open the account. Check with your bank to see if this option is available.

Can I use my debit card before it arrives?

Yes, if your bank offers a temporary digital card. You can add it to your phone's wallet and use it to pay online or in stores with contactless payment. Once your physical card arrives, you set your PIN and can use that instead.

What if I forget my PIN?

Call your bank's customer service number or visit an ATM and select the option to reset your PIN. You will need to verify your identity with your account number and Social Security number. The bank will let you set a new PIN immediately, either over the phone or at the ATM.

Can I get a debit card for a savings account?

No. Debit cards are issued only for checking accounts. Savings accounts do not come with debit cards because they are designed for storing money, not for frequent withdrawals. If you need a card to spend money, you need a checking account.

What happens if my debit card is lost or stolen?

Call your bank immediately — the number is on your statement or online banking login. The bank will cancel the card and issue a new one. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the card missing before someone uses it, and you have limited liability even if they do use it. A replacement card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days.