What Is a Green PIN?
Green PIN is Central Bank of India’s electronic debit card PIN creation/reset mechanism. It lets you generate a secure 4-digit PIN via ATM, mobile banking, or net banking—without needing to visit a branch or receive a mailed PIN booklet.
Methods for PIN Generation
You can generate or reset your card PIN through any of these convenient methods:
1. ATM Method (Two-Step Process)
Step 1: OTP Generation
- Insert your debit card at a Central Bank ATM and select language
- Choose “Green PIN → OTP Generation”
- Enter your registered mobile number and CIF (Customer Identification Number)
- You’ll receive an OTP valid for 24 hours
Step 2: Set PIN
- Reinsert your card, select “Green PIN → Set PIN”
- Enter the OTP, choose a 4‑digit PIN, and confirm it
- OTP validation completes the process, after which SMS confirmation is sent
2. Mobile App / Internet Banking
- Log in to the Central Bank of India app or net banking
- Navigate to “Debit Card Services → Green PIN Generation” or My Card PIN
- Provide card details and choose your desired 4-digit PIN
- Confirm and authenticate using TPIN (for mobile banking), then submit
- You’ll see a success message: “Green PIN set successfully”
- A 24-hour cooling period follows. Card use is blocked during this time. To use it immediately, change the PIN at any ATM by performing a standard PIN Change—enter your current PIN (the one just set) and then the new one.
Quick Methods Comparison
| Method | Where to Use | OTP Required? | Charges | Limit or Cool-Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATM | Central Bank ATM | Yes | Free | None |
| Mobile Banking App | CBI Mobile App | Yes | Free | Overnight cooling period unless PIN is changed |
| Internet Banking | CBI NetBanking portal | Yes | Free | Same 24-hour block; use ATM to bypass delay |
Security Tips & Best Practices
- Always use the registered mobile number to receive the OTP.
- Choose a strong random 4-digit PIN—avoid birthdays or obvious patterns.
- After setting the PIN, delete SMS/OTP messages to prevent misuse.
- Only use Central Bank-endorsed channels (official app, ATM, net banking).
- Monitor bank alerts or messages confirming a successful PIN setup.
Final Thoughts
Central Bank of India’s Green PIN service offers fast and secure ways to generate or reset debit card PINs—whether you’re activating a new card or changing an existing PIN. All methods are free, require OTP-based verification, and offer same-day access (especially if followed by an ATM-based PIN change). For immediate card usability, remember to reset the PIN again at an ATM after inmate banking activation.
