If you’ve ever received a new credit card and tried to use it but have been told it’s not working, you might have forgotten one important step —to activate it.
Once you get your card, you must activate it in order to use it.Different issuers offer cardholders various ways to activate their credit cards, but you can typically get it done via a phone call or online.Read on to find out what information you’ll need to activate your card.
You’ll need to give personal information to activate your card
When you’re ready to activate your credit card, you’ll need to provide information, including some personal data.
You will generally need the following information to complete your activation:
- Your card number and card verification value, or CVV, which is found on the back of your card
- Your name, birthdate, Social Security number and ZIP code
Once you’ve gathered your information, you’re good to go —whether you choose to activate online, via phone or through an app.
How to activate your card online
To activate your card online, visit the website that is provided either on a sticker on the card or in the information packet you received with the card.Fill out whatever information the website asks for regarding the credit card and click “submit.”Typically you will receive a confirmation that the card is activated —if you don’t, just call the company to confirm.Sign the back of your new card, and you’re all set.
How to activate your card by phone
If you choose to call your issuer to activate your card, the process is simple and takes only a few minutes.To make things easier, call from the phone number you gave on the application.
Every issuer’s process is fairly similar —you will be asked for some or all of the information listed above, and once you provide it you will receive confirmation that your card is ready to use.Just sign the back of it and start spending.
How to activate your card via an app
Many issuers also allow cardholders to activate cards via an app on their smartphones.First, download the app from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iPhone).Use your phone’s camera to scan your card when the app prompts you.Enter any other information the app asks for and you’re done.
Now that you know what to expect when you use these three methods, locate your issuer below to find out the ways it enables customers to activate.
How to activate your American Express card
You have three choices to activate your American Express credit card:
- Visit the Amex website and enter your information as the prompts come up.
- Call the number on the back of your card and provide the customer service rep with the necessary information.
- Download and use the American Express app from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android).
How to activate your Apple Card
Because the physical Apple Card does not have any numbers, CVV, expiration date or signature on it, you must activate it via your Wallet. Here’s how:
- If you have a compatible iPhone, all you need to do is open the new card, wake up your iPhone and follow the prompts inside your Wallet, then tap “Activate.”
- If you threw away your card’s packaging, open your Wallet and tap “Apple Card,” then tap the “more” button. Tap “Card Details,” and then tap “Activate Your Card” under the Titanium card. Next, tap “Having trouble activating your card” and then “Do Not Have Card Packaging,” and follow the instructions on the screen.
How to activate your Bank of America card
There are three ways to activate a Bank of America credit card:
- The fastest way to activate your BofA card is to visit the bank’s website and use your online banking ID and passcode to enroll your new credit card account.
- Call the issuer’s activation line at 800-276-9939.
- Download and use the BofA banking app from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android).
How to activate your Barclays card
Barclays offers cardholders two ways to activate:
- Visit the issuer’s website.
- Activate via phone at 877-408-8866.
How to activate your Capital One card
You can activate your Capital One credit card three ways:
- Visit the bank’s website and use your online banking ID and passcode to enroll your new credit card account.
- Call the issuer’s activation line at 800-227-4825.
- Download and use the Capital One banking app from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android).
How to activate your Chase card
There are two ways to activate your Chase credit card:
- You can sign into your existing Chase account or create a new one on the bank’s website.
- Call the number on the back of your credit card.
How to activate your Citi card
Citi offers three ways to activate a card:
- Visit the bank’s website to activate.
- Download and use the Citi banking app from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android).
- Call the number on the back of your card.
- Send a text from your registered mobile phone number — ACT [space] [last 4 digits of your card number] — to 6058 and you will get a text back immediately telling you that the card has been registered.
How to activate your Credit One Bank
There is one way only to activate your Credit One Bank card:
- Within 14 days of receiving your new card, call the phone number on the sticker on the front of it.
How to activate your Discover card
Discover gives its cardholders two ways to activate its cards:
- Visit the bank’s website to activate.
- Call the issuer’s customer service line at 800-347-2683.
How to activate your Wells Fargo card
Wells Fargo offers three ways to activate its cards:
- Visit the bank’s website and sign into or create a new account.
- Call the issuer at 800-642-4720.
- Download and use the Wells Fargo banking app from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android).
How long after activating a credit card can I use it?
You can use your card immediately after activation. Whether you choose to activate online or by phone is up to you, but doing it online will offer you the opportunity to log into your credit card account and see your credit limit.
What happens if I don’t activate a credit card?
If you don’t activate a credit card and don’t use it, your account may ultimately be closed due to inactivity. It may not be an issue if you decide you don’t want the card after all, though you likely incurred a hard inquiry on your credit report when you applied for it. If your account has been closed and you still want the card, contact your issuer to find out if it can be reopened.
Keep your credit card safe once you activate
Once you activate your new credit card you’ll want to keep it as safe and secure as possible.
You already know to sign it immediately after activating it, but there are other ways to protect it.
- First, turn on “suspicious activity” alerts. If the issuer detects anything odd on your account —such as a very large purchase if you typically don’t make them, or a purchase out of state —it will contact you immediately to verify the purchase.
- Never share your credit card information, and keep your contact information current with the issuer. That way, it can notify you if it spots any fraudulent activity on the card.
- Check your account frequently to see if there have been any unauthorized purchases on it. If you spot any, contact the issuer right away to report it.
- Last, use the card for online purchases only on secure sites and never when you’re on public Wi-Fi, and never let an online merchant store your credit card number for future purchases.
Bottom line
Once you activate your new credit card, you’re good to go: Let the shopping begin, but use it responsibly. After you activate it, be sure to take the steps above to protect yourself against credit card fraud and identity theft — you’ll likely sleep better at night knowing you’ve cut down significantly on your chances of becoming a victim.
Editorial Disclaimer
The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.
Barri Segal is a staff reporter at CreditCards.com with 20-plus years of experience in the publishing and advertising industries, writing and editing for all styles, genres, media and audiences.
FAQs
Visit the bank's website and use your online banking ID and passcode to enroll your new credit card account. Call the issuer's activation line at 800-227-4825.
How I can activate my new credit card? ›
There will typically be an activation URL or QR code on your new card or with the paperwork that came with your new card in the mail. Visit the website and enter the necessary information to activate your card. Keep in mind that you might have to create an online account with the issuer if you don't have one already.
How do I activate my credit card without calling? ›
Ways to Activate Your Credit Card Without Calling
- Activate through your online account on the issuer's website. Most issuers have a specific activation page, and they'll give you a link to it when they mail your card.
- Use the issuer's mobile app. ...
- Visit a branch in person and ask the teller to activate your card.
While not using your card can help your utilization, it may impact your account status. If you don't activate a credit card and thus don't use the card, your account may be closed. Card issuers typically close accounts that aren't used within a certain time period, usually over a year.
Do credit cards come already activated? ›
So, in most cases, your credit card account will be opened automatically upon approval, even before your physical credit card is activated. For security, a credit card usually needs to be activated once you get it in the mail, before you can use it.
When should I activate my credit card? ›
Ideally, you'll always activate your credit card right away to avoid running into any activation issues. All you have to do is follow the instructions you receive in your acceptance letter for online activation or call the phone number on your card.
How do I know if my credit card is activated? ›
One way to check if your card is active is by calling your card issuer's customer support phone number and asking. This number is usually listed on the back of your card. Besides maybe a few seconds of hold time, this is the quickest and easiest way to check the status of your card.
What happens if a new credit card is not activated? ›
If you do not activate your card, your credit card will be closed by your issuer and you cannot use it for any kind of transactions. Therefore, even if your card comes with an annual fee, you do not have to pay it as your account will be closed.
What happens when you activate a credit card? ›
A credit card account opens from the moment of approval, not activation; activation lets the issuer know that the rightful card owner received the card. If a card has an annual fee, that charge will be on the billing statement regardless of whether you activate the card.
Can I go to the bank to activate my credit card? ›
Yes, you can always activate your credit card offline. This can be done by calling the bank's customer care or by visiting a branch of the bank.
Some banks ask cardholders to activate their credit cards by logging into their net banking system and activating the cards. Some other banks require cardholders to visit an ATM and swipe the card to get it activated. To get a card activated, you must know the personal identification number or (PIN).
Do I need a PIN to use my credit card at ATM? ›
Why you may need a credit card PIN. Only two types of credit card transaction should require a PIN: Purchases at some stores when you're traveling abroad. A cash advance at an ATM.
Can you use an unactivated credit card? ›
If you don't activate your credit card, you won't be able to use it to make purchases. You could end up at the grocery store with unexpected complications at checkout. Surprisingly, an unactivated credit card can still accrue interest.
Is it OK to have a credit card and never use it? ›
If you haven't used a card for a long period, it generally will not hurt your credit score. However, if a lender notices your inactivity and decides to close the account, it can cause your score to slip.
Do credit cards work immediately after activation? ›
How long after activating my credit card can I use it? Typically, you can use your card almost immediately after you've activated it. If you're having problems using your card, then it's best to contact the provider to ensure it's definitely been activated.
How long does it take for a credit card to activate on your account? ›
Activating your card lets your card issuer know you've received it. Activation is generally the same no matter which credit card you have and only takes a few minutes.
How often should I use my credit card to keep it active? ›
How often should I use my credit cards to keep them active? There is no universal minimum, but experts recommend using your cards at least once every 6 months. If you want to play it safe, use them at least once every 3 months, especially if the cards are store credit cards. Every credit card issuer is different.
Why can't I use my credit card after activation? ›
If you have activated your new credit card and found that it does not work, you should contact your credit card company. Most new credit cards are sent in a de-activated state to the mailing address you provided on your application.
Does activating a new credit card cancel the old one? ›
When you activate your new card, your existing card is automatically deactivated, so you should destroy it by cutting it up or shredding it to protect yourself against fraud.
Can I open a new credit card and not use it? ›
If you stop using your credit card for new purchases, your card issuer can close or curb your credit line and impact your credit score. Your credit card may be closed or restricted for inactivity, both of which can hurt your credit score.
Enter the information on the bank or credit company's website to activate your card. You'll need information such as your credit card number, your name, and the security code, which you can find on the back of the card. You also may need your Social Security number and your date of birth.
What is my credit card PIN number? ›
A credit card PIN—also known as your personal identification number—is a four-digit code you can use to verify you are the person making a purchase with your chip and PIN credit card. You can pick your own PIN when you sign up for a chip and pin credit card, and you can also change your PIN at any time.
How do I find my PIN number? ›
If you've forgotten your debit card PIN, some banks may offer a way to retrieve it through their website or app. You can also call a customer care representative, or find a local branch for help. You'll probably still need to verify your account ownership and may be directed to reset the PIN for security reasons.
What is my card PIN? ›
PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a 4-digit code unique to each ATM card that ensures that the card user or account holder is carrying out the transactions. You cannot use the ATM card without activating the PIN.
Why is my credit score going down when I pay on time? ›
Why might my credit scores drop after paying off debts? Paying off debt might lower your credit scores if removing the debt affects certain factors such as your credit mix, the length of your credit history or your credit utilization ratio.
What is a good credit score? ›
300-579: Poor. 580-669: Fair. 670-739: Good. 740-799: Very good.
Is it better to close a credit card or leave it open with a zero balance? ›
In general, it's better to leave your credit cards open with a zero balance instead of canceling them. This is true even if they aren't being used as open credit cards allow you to maintain a lower overall credit utilization ratio and will allow your credit history to stay on your report for longer.
How do I activate my card online? ›
Activate a debit card online
- Go to the URL provided on the activation sticker on the front of your card, or sign in to your bank's website. This may vary from bank to bank.
- Have your debit card ready as you may need information on the card to activate.
- Follow the prompts to finalize your card's activation.
Ask customer support if it is active
One way to check if your card is active is by calling your card issuer's customer support phone number and asking. This number is usually listed on the back of your card. Besides maybe a few seconds of hold time, this is the quickest and easiest way to check the status of your card.
What is the number to activate a credit one card? ›
You can activate a Credit One card either online or over the phone at (800) 797-6534. You may also call the activation number on the sticker attached to your new card. As a security measure, Credit One recommends calling from the telephone number that you listed on your application.
