Help with your PIN
What you need to know about your credit card PIN.
What is a PIN?
Your PIN (personal identification number) is a 4-digit code you use with your credit card. You’ll only need it when you make purchases in person (e.g. in a shop) or cash withdrawals.
Tips to keep your PIN safe:
Never write down or share your PIN with anyone – not even with Vanquis.
Use your PIN discreetly – cover the keypad in shops or at cash machines to stop others from seeing your number.
Do not share your PIN when shopping online or over the phone. Beware of any websites which ask you to enter your PIN.
Get your PIN reminder
There are a few ways to get a PIN reminder:
Vanquis app: tap ‘Manage My Card’ then ‘View PIN’. Not got the app? Download it here.
Text service: text the word ‘PIN’ to 07860 094990 from the mobile number registered to your account. We’ll post your reminder within 5-7 working days.
Automated phone service: call 0330 099 3000* and select the relevant option. We’ll post a reminder to your address within 5-7 working days. Please note, this is the only way to request a reminder for an additional cardholder.
PIN locked? Here's what to do
If you entered your PIN incorrectly three times in a shop, it will be locked.
With a locked PIN, you can’t get cash from ATMs or make payments in person.
But don’t worry, you can still:
- Use Google Pay or Apple Pay
- Shop online
- Buy things over the phone
You can unlock your PIN by using it correctly at a cash machine. Or if you locked your PIN when withdrawing cash, it will automatically be unlocked the day after.
If you don’t know your correct PIN, you can view your PIN in the Vanquis app.
Change your PIN to something memorable
If you know your PIN, you can change it at most UK cash machines with the Visa logo.
- Insert your credit card
- Enter the PIN
- Follow the on-screen steps to change it
Make sure you don’t choose anything someone may guess, including:
- Number combinations or sequences, such as 1234, 2222 or 9876
- Your date of birth or variations of it
- Parts of your phone number
If you don’t know your PIN, you’ll need to get a PIN reminder before you can change it.
PINs for replacement cards
If you’ve received a replacement card, here’s what will happen with your PIN…
You’ll keep the same PIN if:
- Your card was damaged
- Your card expired
- You reported your card lost or stolen and you didn’t request a new PIN
You’ll receive a new PIN if:
- You reported your card lost or stolen and you asked for a new PIN
- You reported your card lost or stolen and you told us your PIN was compromised
*Call charge information
Network charges may apply. Calls to 01 and 03 numbers from UK landlines and mobiles are normally included in free plan minutes if available; otherwise calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calls to 01/02 prefix numbers. Calls to 0800 or 0808 numbers are free from mobiles and landlines.