How to Activate a Debit Card

Activating a new debit card is a fairly quick process. With a properly activated debit card, you can ensure that you are spending and transacting securely. Whether you prefer visiting an ATM, using internet banking, or calling customer care, there’s a method to activate your card that suits your convenience. If you’ve just received your IDFC FIRST Bank debit card, here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you activate it without hassle.

How to activate a debit card?
 

There are multiple methods to activate a debit card, each equally convenient and easy. It is up to you to decide which method suits you.

How to activate a new card via ATM?
 

For a traditional, secure ATM activation, these are the steps you can follow:

• Open the sealed envelope you received from IDFC FIRST Bank. It contains your new debit card and a temporary four-digit ATM PIN.
• Insert your debit card into any compatible ATM.
• Enter the debit card number and the provided temporary PIN.
• Choose the option to create a new PIN and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Set your preferred PIN to complete the activation.

Tip: Use an IDFC FIRST Bank ATM to enjoy smooth activation and free withdrawals for your new card.

How to activate your debit card by a contactless means?

Prefer going digital? Here’s how you can activate your IDFC FIRST Bank debit card online, without stepping out.

• Log in to your internet banking account at https://my.idfcfirstbank.com/login
• Select the Debit Card you wish to activate and click on the generate PIN option
• Set a PIN of your choice and then authorise yourself using OTP.

IDFC FIRST Bank customers can also use the user-friendly mobile app to generate their debit card PINs in just a few clicks—secure and paperless!

Here’s how you can activate your debit card via mobile banking.

• Go to cards tab under the “Accounts” section.
• Select the Debit Card you wish to activate and click on the generate PIN option
• Set the PIN of your choice and confirm the same. Authorise the PIN.

How to activate debit cards via phone banking?
 

To activate your IDFC FIRST Bank debit card by phone banking, you can adhere to the following steps:

• Call on IDFC FIRST Bank’s toll-free number 1800 10 888 through your registered mobile number
• Select the Bank Account details option (2) on the IVR
• Authenticate yourself by entering your Date of Birth
• Select the PIN generation option (1) on the IVR
• Key in the 4-digit PIN and re-enter the same for confirmation
• Your PIN is ready for use

If you are trying to activate your IDFC FIRST Bank Debit Card through a non-registered mobile number, here are the steps you can follow.

• Call on IDFC FIRST Bank’s toll-free number 1800 108 88 from a non-registered mobile number
• Input your registered mobile number
• Post selection of the PIN generation option (2) on the IVR, an OTP will be triggered to your registered mobile number
• Validate the OTP on the IVR
• Choose a PIN and re-enter the same
• Your PIN is ready for use.

IDFC FIRST Bank Debit Card – More than just a card
 

When you open a Savings Account with IDFC FIRST Bank, your debit card does more than just enable purchases, it opens a world of benefits suited to your lifestyle.

₹25,000 AMB Variant – For Power Users
 

• Enjoy free and unlimited ATM withdrawals at any bank across India.
• Get a daily purchase limit of ₹6 lakhs and an ATM withdrawal limit of ₹2 lakhs.
• Access complimentary domestic airport lounges.
• Stay protected with ₹35 lakhs personal accident insurance and ₹1 crore air accident cover.

₹10,000 AMB Variant – For Everyday Smart Savers
 

• Avail unlimited ATM transactions across all banks in India.
• Benefit from a ₹1 lakh daily ATM cash withdrawal limit and ₹4 lakhs purchase limit.
• Get covered with ₹5 lakhs personal accident insurance and ₹30 lakhs air accident cover.
• Added security with lost card liability protection up to ₹4 lakhs.
• Shop confidently with purchase protection of up to ₹50,000.

And no matter the variant, IDFC FIRST Bank’s debit cards come with:

• Instant online and offline usability
• Secure chip & PIN technology
• Access to goal-based savings tools via mobile banking
• Interest rate of 7.00% p.a.
• Monthly interest payout
• Zero-fee banking services.

Conclusion
 

Whether you're activating your card for the first time or reactivating a replacement, choose the method that fits your lifestyle—ATM, online, or over the phone. With IDFC FIRST Bank, you don’t just get a debit card—you get rewards, protection, convenience, and control in one package.

Haven’t got your IDFC FIRST Bank debit card yet? Open your IDFC FIRST Bank Savings Account today and get instant access to a premium debit card that’s designed to reward your lifestyle.