Not in the US – we just have to go to a website or call a number and that activates the card.
All of the debit cards I've gotten from traditional B&M banks have let me activate them at an ATM. Only my current bank, which does not have physical locations, doesn't give me that option. I assume it's because they let you use ATMs from partner banks but don't have their own.
Ah I just want to clarify, we aren't "required" to activate at an ATM. I'm just saying that we are able to activate a card without having to go to an ATM. I'm sure going to an ATM is an option as well.
I have a credit (really, not debit) card, in the US, that does chip+PIN. I activated it online and chose a PIN on the card issuer's web portal.
It’s definitely is an option with debit cards in the US. Just not for the banks you use. My bank and credit union both do it.
Nope, you do it through an app or website for every card I've gotten.
Maybe it's different in the US for corporate cards.