PINnummers

PINnummers are numerical codes used to verify a person's identity when accessing financial services and securing devices. A PIN, or Personal Identification Number, is entered at a keypad to confirm authorization without a password. PINnummers are most commonly used with payment cards and ATMs, and may also secure mobile wallets or access to some accounts. The typical length of a PIN is four digits, although some systems permit up to six digits.

PINnummers are issued by banks or card issuers. A PIN can be provided as a temporary code or created by the cardholder, often at the first use of the card or during an ATM transaction. If a PIN is forgotten or compromised, the bank can issue a replacement card or reset the PIN.

For ATM withdrawals and many card-present payments, the user enters the PIN to authorize the transaction. In EMV-enabled systems, verification can be offline (the chip validates the PIN) or online (the issuer validates the PIN). Some devices and services use a PIN only as an initial unlock step or in conjunction with other factors.

PINs should be kept secret and never shared; shield the keypad, avoid obvious numbers, and do not write down the PIN. Do not reuse the same PIN across multiple accounts, and report suspected compromise to the bank immediately. Banks and payment networks implement encryption and anti-skimming measures, and in the Netherlands the use of PINs aligns with EMV standards and consumer protection regulations.