How to create a strong and secure PIN

A personal identification number, or PIN, is a code that helps protect your personal and financial information. You might be surprised by the number of places where PINs come into play, including:

• ATMs

• Bank accounts

• Credit and debit cards

• Mobile payment apps

• Smartphones and tablets

• Laptops and computers

• Home security systems

• Smart locks and keyless entry

• Car security systems

• Gas station pumps

• Gaming consoles and online accounts

• Retail loyalty programs

• Voicemail

Whew, that’s a lot of PIN usage! A strong and secure PIN is vital because we use them for many things. A weak PIN makes it easier for hackers or even someone snooping nearby to gain access to your accounts. You might think choosing a strong PIN is simple — but it’s easier to pick a weak one than you’d think! 

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

So, how do you create a PIN that’s strong and secure? Here’s what you need to know. 

What makes a good PIN?

Let’s start by reviewing what makes a safe and strong PIN.

• Pick a number that’s difficult to guess. Avoid repetitive numbers like 1111 or common strings like 1234.

• Create a unique PIN for every account, card, or device. You don’t want to share the same PIN across multiple accounts.  

• Make it as long as possible. Length is a key component for a solid PIN. If the system allows more than four digits, go for it! 

3 simple steps to create a strong PIN

Now that we’ve cracked the code on what makes a good PIN, it’s time to lock in a good one for you. 

1. Make it random. We know you won’t use that repetitive 1111 we vetoed earlier, but don’t fall into the trap of using obvious patterns like 4321, either. Use a mix of numbers that don’t follow a predictable sequence. If you can, let your bank or device generate a PIN for you (but you’ll need to commit it to memory!).

2. Remember that longer is stronger. While PIN lengths can vary, selecting the longest available PIN option enhances security. So, a six-digit PIN is more secure than a four-digit PIN. The American Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency recommends 16 characters minimum! Using an alphanumeric combination (with numbers and letters) is even more secure.

3. Skip the personal info. Don’t use birthdays, anniversaries, addresses, pet names, or parts of your phone number. If someone can find it on your social media or a quick Google search, it’s not secure. And if someone can guess it in three tries, it’s time for a new PIN!

Tricks to help you remember your PIN

The strongest PIN in the world is useless if you can’t remember it. Try these tips to create a PIN you can recall quickly. 

• Use the passphrase method. Pick a word or phrase that means something to you but isn’t obvious, like a random favorite word, a childhood nickname, or something unique. Convert it into numbers using a phone keypad. For example, CAKE=2253 (C=2, A=2, K=5, E=3).

• Make a mental shortcut. Create a story associated with the PIN to make it easier to remember (only for you). For example, if your PIN is 4625, you can think of it as: "4 seasons, 6 strings on a guitar, 2 sneakers, and 5 fingers."

• Find the pattern. If you use a keypad often, visualize the shape your PIN makes (like an "L" or "Z" movement) to help recall it quickly. Typing your PIN regularly will help it stick. Your fingers will start to remember the motion naturally.

• Store it safely. Still worried about forgetting your PIN? Resist the temptation to write it down in easily accessible places like your phone notes or wallet. Use a secure password manager that only you can access. 

A strong PIN is a simple but powerful way to keep your accounts safe. With just a little effort in choosing a secure one — and a few memory tricks to lock it into your brain — you’ll be set! And remember: Security is an ongoing process. Change your PIN regularly, especially if you think it may have been compromised, and always be aware of who’s around when entering it.

Protect your $ and family. Keep everyone's safety and finances in check with Greenlight — the all-in-one educational money app. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†