Card Reader FAQs

The card reader is a small hand held device which works with your AIB (NI) Visa debit card to generate unique security codes when you are completing certain transactions on Online Banking.

• The card reader offers extended security which enables us to offer customers an extensive range of services through Online Banking.  Card reader security uses something you have (your Visa debit card with us) and something only you know (your Visa debit card PIN) to generate a unique eight-digit code which allows you to authorise certain transactions on Online Banking. This is known as 3^rd level authentication.
• Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in attempting to get access to customer’s online banking details. Security experts recommend card readers that use your debit card and PIN as one of the best ways to protect you. As the card reader does not hold any secure information it is not unique and can be shared if required.
• Different transactions will require different functions to be used on the card reader. Our Online Banking screens will provide a simple step-by-step guide to help you complete the required function.

To complete the following services on Online Banking a card reader will be required:

• Adding and updating UK bank and building society accounts
• One off transfers to UK bank and building society accounts
• Adding and updating any bills
• One off bill payments
• Setting up and updating a regular payment/standing order
• Other self service options available through 'Services & Settings'

When you select one of these services we will remind you that you need a card reader to use the service.

You can order a card reader through the ‘Services & Settings’ section within Online Banking or when you choose one of the services which need a card reader.

Alternatively, you can speak to one of our Customer Service Advisers. Simply call Phoneline Banking on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option zero (0) and one of our advisers will be happy to help you. Our advisers are available between Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (including Bank Holidays)

Your card reader will be sent to you in the post within 3-5 banking days.

If you need help and want to speak directly to a Customer Service Adviser, simply call Phoneline Banking on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option zero (0) and one of our Customer Service Advisers will be happy to help you. Our advisers are available between Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (including Bank Holidays)

Before you use your card reader for the first time you must select the Visa debit card that you wish to use with your card reader by following the steps below:

• Log in to Online Banking
• Click on 'Services & Settings' from the top of the screen
• Select 'Card Reader' from the drop down menu followed by 'Select your Visa Debit Card' and click 'Next'. If you have more than one Visa debit card you will asked to select which Visa debit card you wish to use with your card reader. Once you have made your choice click 'Next'
• Follow the on screen instructions to activate the Visa debit card you wish to use

Once you have selected the Visa debit card you wish to use with your card reader, you will be prompted to use your card reader when completing any of the services listed above.

After inserting your Visa debit card into your card reader, you will be requested to select a function on your card reader. You will then be prompted to enter your Visa debit card PIN into your card reader.
The function requested will depend on the service which you are completing within Online Banking.
Simply follow the on screen instructions.

The card reader is not unique to each user and can be shared by customers. If you have an urgent payment or transaction which requires a card reader you can borrow one from a family member or a friend to complete your transaction using your own Visa debit card.  Every branch of AIB also hold a card reader for customer use if required.

If you do not find your card reader, you can order a subsequent card reader through the 'Services & Settings' section within Online Banking.

This is the PIN associated with your selected Visa debit card. This is the same PIN that you use at cash machines or when purchasing items using your Visa debit card.

If you cannot remember your PIN please call Phoneline Banking on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option 3 and follow the voiced instructions to retrieve your PIN. Please have your Debit Card at hand when making the phone call.

Yes. The card reader is a shareable device. It uses the chip on your Visa debit card to generate codes unique to you.

Yes. Your Online Banking screen will ask you to confirm you are using your new Visa debit card. Simply tick the box to confirm and complete the transaction using your new Visa debit card.  As this is a replacement card you can use your existing PIN.

Call 028 9033 0099 immediately to report your card lost or stolen. A new Visa debit card and PIN will be sent to you.

While you are waiting for your new card, you will continue to have access to Online Banking. However any service which requires a card reader will not be available until you activate your new Visa debit card.
When you receive your new Visa debit card you will need to re-activate your card reader though the 'Services & Settings' section within Online Banking. If you need any assistance with this process, please call our Phoneline Banking Service on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option 0 to speak to a Customer Service Adviser. Our advisers are available Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (including Bank Holidays)

Yes. If you would like to order a device designed for our visually impaired customers, please call our Phoneline Banking Service on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option 0 to speak to a Customer Service Adviser. Our advisers are available between Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (including Bank Holidays)

If your card reader is not working please make sure you have:

• Removed the plastic tab on the battery compartment
• Inserted your Visa debit card correctly, with the chip facing downwards

If you continue to have problems simply call Phoneline Banking on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option zero (0) and one of our Customer Service Advisers will be happy to help you. Our advisers are available between Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (including Bank Holidays)

The text ‘Wrong PIN’ is displayed after inserting your Visa debit card when the wrong Visa debit card PIN was entered the last time you attempted to use your card reader. 
The text 'Wrong PIN' will flash on the card reader for a number of seconds before prompting you to enter your Visa debit card PIN. Please ensure that you enter the correct PIN so that you don’t lock your card reader for use with your Online Banking. 
The text 'Wrong PIN Last Try' will appear on the card reader when you have one more attempt at entering your PIN before it is locked for use on Online Banking.

Yes, you will be able to access Online Banking but you will be unable to complete any transactions which require a card reader. You will be able to:

• Access account balances and transactions
• Transfer money between your own existing accounts
• Transfer money to existing payees
• Make bill payments to existing saved bills.

Please contact our Card Services team on 028 9024 1822 to order a PIN reminder. Once you receive your reminder Visa debit card PIN or if you subsequently remember your PIN, you can go to most AIB (NI) cash machines to ‘unlock’ it. Simply insert your card, select the ‘PIN Service’ option and follow the on screen instructions.

If you have any questions about your Visa debit Card or PIN, please contact our Card Services team on 028 9024 1822 or contact your local branch.

If you enter the wrong code six times into Online Banking, the Card Reader will lock. To unlock your Card Reader, simply call Phoneline Banking on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option zero (0) and one of our Customer Service Advisers will be happy to help you. Our advisers are available between Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (including Bank Holidays)

This message is displayed when you have entered an incorrect Visa debit card PIN into the card reader on three or more occasions. It means your PIN has been locked and you will be unable to use your card with your PIN until your PIN is unlocked.

If you cannot remember your PIN, please contact our Card Services team to order a reminder PIN. When you receive your reminder Visa debit card PIN or if you subsequently remember your PIN, you can go to most AIB cash machines to ‘unlock’ it. Simply insert your card, select the ‘PIN Service’ option and follow the on screen instructions.

If you have any questions about your Visa debit card or PIN, please contact our Card Services team on 028 9024 1822 or contact your local branch

You have entered the wrong code into Online Banking.  Please remove the card from the card reader and start the process again, carefully following the instructions on the screen.

The card reader has been locked due to five or more invalid attempts when entering the code into Online Banking. Simply call Phoneline Banking on 0345 793 0000^†, log in and choose option zero (0) and one of our Customer Service Advisers will be happy to help you. Our advisers are available between Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (including Bank Holidays)