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Before you can use a new credit card, you’ll have to activate it. This usually cannot be done until you receive the card in the mail, unless you’re using a virtual card. Once delivered, you’ll want to open the envelope with your new credit card and follow the included instructions to activate it. It’s common practice for issuers to adorn your shiny new plastic with an instructional sticker. This adhesive likely includes a phone number, website or both. You may call or logon and follow prompts for activation. Once complete, you will receive confirmation that the card is ready to be used.
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Activating a Credit Card Over the Phone
Activating a new credit card can be done with a simple phone call. Typically, a sticker on the front of your new card will feature a phone number. You may be required to speak to a representative or navigate an automated phone tree. You may be asked for information to identify yourself or the card—such as the card number, expiration date or three- or four-digit CVV.
Activating a Credit Card Online
Many issuers may also allow you to activate your card online or through the bank’s app. Instructions for doing so should be included with your card—either on the sticker attached to the card or in the leaflet information included in the envelope with your card.
Depending on how your specific issuer’s process works, you may need to provide your card information as well as identifying personal information. Alternatively, the issuer may require you to set up online banking and log into your account before activating. Regardless, prompts should guide you through the process.
How To Activate a Credit Card With American Express
American Express offers cardholders options when it comes time to activate a card. The Amex mobile app allows you to enter your card details, create an account and then create a PIN to activate. Your other options include using American Express online services or calling the American Express helpline.
How To Activate a Credit Card With Capital One
New Capital One cardholders must enroll in online banking to activate a new card. Activation can be done either on the Capital One website or through the bank’s app. Existing Capital One cardholders need only link a card with an existing account by following instructions under Consolidate Your Accounts in the user dashboard.
How To Activate a Credit Card With Bank of America
Bank of America cardholders must create an online banking ID and passcode or use an existing account to begin the process of activating a new card. After your identity has been confirmed, the card will be activated and ready to use.
How To Activate a Credit Card With Chase
The easiest way to activate a Chase card is through the company’s app. Simply select the account, tap Manage Account and then Verify Receipt of your Card. Chase cardholders may also call the phone number provided on the card’s sticker to activate it. An automated voice operator will ask for the credit card number or secured PIN to complete the activation process. Chase cardholders may also activate the new card online by following the secured link printed on the sticker. The website will ask you to verify your card number and answer security questions before confirming activation.
How To Activate a Credit Card With Citibank
Citibank cardholders can activate a new credit card online or by using Citi’s mobile app. Open the app and go to the Services tab at the bottom of the app and choose Card Services. If you have a card that needs to be activated, there will be an option to activate your card. You can also activate via a form on Citi’s website or over the phone by calling 1-800-950-5114.
How To Activate a Credit Card With Discover
Discover cardholders can activate their cards online through Discover’s website. The online form will require the primary cardmember’s information as well as card number, expiration date and sequence ID pin. If you are unable to activate online, you can also call the number found on the Contact Us now page and from there, follow the automated voice prompts.
How To Activate a Credit Card With Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo cardholders can visit the Wells Fargo activation website or log into or create a Wells Fargo account with online banking. Once you have reached the activation form, you will be asked to provide the full card number, CVV, your date of birth and SSN. Once these steps have been completed, the new card will be ready to use for purchases immediately.
How To Activate a Credit Card With U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank cardholders can fill out a secure online form to activate their card or do so via the bank’s app. It’s also possible through online banking by selecting the account in My Accounts and then clicking Activate card in the Card Controls tab.
Why Do I Need To Activate My Credit Card?
New credit cards must be activated for security reasons. Activation notifies the card issuer the card has been received by the correct person and is designed to help prevent fraud.
How Do I Activate a Credit Card Without Calling?
It’s usually easy to activate a credit card without calling. Most banks offer a simple option to activate your card through their website, app or both. Some require you to be logged into your online banking account while others offer a secure online form. Check the instructions that came with your card or take a quick look through your online banking portal to be sure.
What Happens If I Don't Activate a Credit Card?
Failing to activate the card you received prevents you from using the card, but your account remains open. You are still responsible for the annual fee, if the card has one.
Your credit card account is typically considered open from the date of approval. If the card is not activated, the account is still considered open—the card simply won’t be active or usable. After a month or two of failing to activate your card, an issuer may contact you or cancel the card and reissue another one.
A card issuer may close your account if you fail to use it, but this typically won’t happen for at least a year. Your credit is still impacted by the account, regardless of whether you activate your card.
Failing to activate a credit card will not avoid annual or other types of maintenance fees. Failing to activate a physical card does not deactivate virtual cards—any other transactions made with non-physical cards will still accrue interest if not paid off.
How Long After I Activate My Credit Card Do I Have To Wait Before Using It?
In most cases, after a new credit card has been activated it will be ready to use for purchases immediately.
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Bottom Line
Activating a new credit card is usually fast and easy, especially when issuers provide clear instructions. Generally, the sooner you receive and activate your new card, the better. Activation processes prevent fraud and help the bank verify the card isn’t out there somewhere at risk of falling into the wrong hands.
