EC card: forgotten PIN - what to do?

If you have forgotten your EC card PIN, there are a few things you can try. You can find out how you can remember the forgotten number and what you have to do if it doesn't work anymore in our practical tip.

EC card - this helps if the PIN is forgotten

The PIN is not always easy to remember - but repeating it for years does not help if the number suddenly disappears from memory. If this has happened to you, you have the following options:

• If you are at the ATM, have the card issued by the machine again. This makes particular sense if there are already people waiting behind you. You can't think of the number under pressure and quickly. Instead, go to the counter and get the money you need there. If you are in business, speak to the employees and explain your problem. In most cases a solution can be found.
• Sit down briefly and consider whether you had a donkey bridge for your number. It may also be related to your environment. It is also a good help to paint the number field and pretend that you are entering the number. The process happens automatically over time and is present in the subconscious, maybe you can think of the hand movement again.
• Apply for a new PIN: If you still cannot remember the number after several days, you must request a new PIN from your bank. You do not have to apply for a new EC card directly, the bank can also usually send you a new PIN. However, not every bank offers this service. Some will send you a new card, which you will have to pay extra for.
• The costs vary from bank to bank, especially if you receive a new card and not just a new PIN. At Postbank or ING Diba, you pay between five and six euros for the new PIN. The Sparkasse also charges a little more than five euros for this service. It becomes more expensive when it comes to the number of your credit card: Then, for example, you pay significantly more than the usual prices at the Sparda Bank - it can be up to 20 euros. A new card will also be sent to you directly.
• Tip: Do not write down your number externally despite the costs. If you lose it together with your EC card, you will not be compensated for the damage incurred. Since the costs incurred for third party debits are much higher than those for a new PIN or card, you should not write down the number separately, but request a new PIN if it is lost.

It is more annoying than forgetting your PIN to lose your EC card. The next practical tip will tell you what to do as soon as you lose your card and have noticed it.