How do I get my PIN Number for a Visa Credit Card

In many cases you will automatically be given a personal identification number, or PIN to go with your Visa credit card in case you want to use it at an ATM to withdraw cash. If your bank does this, it will mail the PIN separately from the cards themselves, usually about a week later.

There are some banks and card issuers that allow you to set your own PIN. Usually this involves calling a phone number and following instructions or going to a website to set your PIN. If you do not want to use the PIN that you are assigned with your card, there are ways to change it.

If you have forgotten your PIN you can call your card issuer to set one up.

Getting a new PIN number for your Visa Credit Card, or simply resetting your old one will require some diligence and patience on your part. Credit cards are normally issued to you with an arbitrary PIN number, but you have the option of resetting it once you call to activate your card. However, if you have forgotten your PIN or do not have access to a PIN for your VISA credit card, you can easily call the bank to have one set up.

Here is the general procedure for setting a PIN on your Visa credit card.

Look on the back of your card for a toll free number. Call the number, and press the appropriate key for the option of being connected to an agent. When an agent answers, you will have to answer questions so that they will know you are the person whose card it is. This may be the last four digits of your social security number, your latest payment amount, or the answer to a secret question like 'What was your first pet's name?' or 'What is your mother's maiden name?'

Tell the agent you want to reset or retrieve your PIN. Depending on your issuer's policy, they may have to mail you a new PIN. You should receive it usually in 4 or 5 business days.

Even if you rarely or never use your Visa credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM it is a good idea to have and know the PIN especially if you plan to go travelling with your Visa credit card, particularly and have a cash emergency.

Peter Carville is a freelance article writer who writes for Financial Facts about the current financial news and the credit crunch.

Can Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards work as a Credit card to buy stuff online?

I am planning to buy some stuff of the internet, but I do not own a credit card. I was told Visa or Mastercard Gift Cards can work like a Credit Card, but they say Debit Card on the card. Will a prepaid Gift Card work if the Only pay option is Credit Card, or does it depend on who your buying it from online? So please only respond if you have attempted this. Thanks.

Answer
yes you can use a gift card on line if you first register the card with
your name and address on the gift card website
otherwise the merchant wont be able to veify yur name and address
to the billing address on the card
read the following it explain this very well and how to solve it

Using Visa or American Express Gift Cards to Shop Online

One of the most asked gift card questions, particularly on Yahoo Answers is whether you can use a Visa or any other bank issued gift card (American Express, Discover, or MasterCard) to shop online. The answer is yes.

However, there are additional steps you have to take to prevent your card from being rejected by the merchant. The problem with using Visa (or any other bank issued) gift card online is that there is no verifiable name and address associated with the card. When buying things online, most merchants want your name and billing address to match the name and address you have on file with your card (credit, debit, or bank gift card) issuer.

Therefore, before you use your Visa or other bank issued gift card, call the merchant/financial institution that issued the card or go to their website and add your name and address to the card. This will ensure that when you use the card online, the name and address you provide to the merchant for billing will match the name and address on file for the card. Once you have registered your card, you can use it online just like you would use a regular credit card.

If your information (name and address) has changed since you registered your Visa gift card, call the card issuer or go online and update your information before you use the card online.