If you want a safer way to shop online, creating a digital Bank of America debit card is a great option. A digital card gives you a separate card number and changing security code, helping protect your actual debit card information from fraud and data breaches.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create, activate, and use a digital Bank of America debit card directly from the mobile app.
Why Use a Bank of America Debit Card Digitally?
A digital Bank of America debit card offers the same protections and benefits as your physical card, but with added security. It can be used:
- For online shopping
- In mobile apps
- In stores through Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Alongside your physical card, not as a replacement
Because the digital card has its own card number and a dynamic security code, your real debit card number remains protected when making purchases online.
How to Get a Digital Bank of America Debit Card
Follow these steps to create your digital card:
- Open the Bank of America app.
- Tap Menu in the top-left corner.
- Scroll down to the Bank of America section.
- Select Manage Debit Card.
- Under your card, tap Get a Digital Card.
You’ll then see information explaining how the digital card works and the security benefits it provides. When you’re ready, tap I Want a Digital Card.
How to Verify Your Identity
Before your digital Bank of America debit card can be created, Bank of America must verify your identity.
- Choose where you’d like to receive an authorization code.
- Tap Send Code.
- Enter the verification code when it arrives.
The code typically expires after 10 minutes, so make sure to enter it promptly.
Review the Required Disclosures
After verifying your identity, you’ll be shown several important documents, including:
- Card agreement information
- Spending limit details
- Overdraft information
Review these disclosures and tap Next to continue.
How to Activate Your Digital Card
Once you’ve accepted the disclosures, the app will process your request for a few seconds.
After that:
- Review the brief security information screen.
- Tap Next.
- Wait for the green confirmation check mark indicating your card is ready.
Your digital Bank of America debit card is now active and ready to use.
How to View and Use Your Bank of America Debit Card
To see your digital card information:
- Tap View Digital Card.
- Your card number, expiration date, and security code will appear.
- Use the Copy button to quickly paste the card number during checkout.
One important security feature is that the card’s security code changes each time you view it, making your Bank of America debit card even safer for online purchases.
Where to Find Your Digital Card Later
After you’ve created your card, the Get a Digital Card button on the Manage Debit Card screen changes to View Digital Card.
Whenever you need your card details:
- Open the app.
- Go to Manage Debit Card.
- Tap View Digital Card.
Your card information will appear instantly.
Add Your Digital Card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
For even more convenience, you can add your digital Bank of America debit card to your digital wallet.
Simply:
- Open the Manage Debit Card screen.
- Tap Manage Digital Wallets.
- Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
This allows you to make secure contactless payments in stores using your phone.
Keep Your Digital Card Information Secure
Although a digital Bank of America debit card is designed for better security, it’s still important to protect your information.
- Avoid texting your card number.
- Don’t store it in notes apps or unsecured files.
- Use the copy button only when needed.
- Take advantage of Apple Pay or Google Pay for extra protection.
Final Thoughts
A digital Bank of America debit card provides an extra layer of security without replacing your physical card. By generating a separate card number and a changing security code, it helps protect your actual account information while giving you a convenient way to shop online, in apps, and even in stores. Setting one up takes only a few minutes through the Bank of America app, and once activated, you can access it anytime from the Manage Debit Card screen.
