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.