How to activate a credit card

If you’ve ever gotten a new credit card and tried to use it but were told it doesn’t work, you may have forgotten one important step – activate it.

Once you receive your card, you must activate it in order to use it. Different issuers offer different ways for cardholders to activate their credit cards, but this can usually be done over the phone or online. Read on to find out what information you will need to activate your card.

You will need to provide personal information to activate the card

When you are ready to activate your credit card, you will need to provide information, including some personal details.

Typically, you will need the following information to complete activation:

Once you’ve collected your information, you’re all set – whether you choose to activate online, by phone, or via the app.

How to activate the card online

To activate your card online, visit the website indicated either on the sticker on the card or in the information package you received with the card. Fill in any information the website asks for regarding the credit card and click Submit. You will usually receive confirmation that the card has been activated – if you don’t, just call the company for confirmation. Sign the back of your new card and you’re done.

How to activate the card by phone

If you choose to call your issuer to activate your card, the process is simple and only takes a few minutes. To simplify the task, call from the phone number that you indicated in the application.

The process for each issuer is quite similar – you will be asked to provide some or all of the information above, and once you provide it, you will receive confirmation that your card is ready for use. Just sign the back and start spending.

How to activate the card through the application

Many issuers also allow cardholders to activate cards through 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 using these three methods, find your issuer below to see how they allow customers to activate.

How to activate an American Express card

You have three options for activating an American Express credit card:

• Visit the Amex website and enter your information as prompted.
• Call the number on the back of your card and provide the support representative with the information you need.
• Download and use the American Express app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

How to activate Apple Card

Since there are no numbers, CVV, expiration date, or signature on the physical Apple Card, you must activate it through your wallet. Here’s how:

• If you have a compatible iPhone, all you have to do is open a new card, wake up your iPhone and follow the instructions inside the wallet, then click Activate.
• If you threw away your card packaging, open Wallet and click Apple Card, then click the More button. Click “Card Details” and then click “Activate Card” under the Titanium card. Then click “Can’t activate card” and then “Don’t have card packaging” and follow the instructions on the screen.

How to activate a Bank of America card

There are three ways to activate a Bank of America credit card:

• The quickest way to activate your BofA card is to visit the bank’s website and use your online banking ID and password to sign up for a new credit card account.
• Call the issuer activation line at 800-276-9939.
• Download and use the BofA banking app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

How to activate a Barclays card

Barclays offers cardholders two ways to activate:

• Visit the issuer’s website.
• Activate by calling 877-408-8866.

How to activate the Capital One card

You can activate your Capital One credit card in three ways:

• Visit the bank’s website and use your online banking ID and password to register for a new credit card account.
• Call the issuer activation line at 800-227-4825.
• Download and use the Capital One banking app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

How to activate the Chase card

There are two ways to activate your Chase credit card:

• You can sign in to an 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 your card:

• Visit the bank’s website to activate.
• Download and use the Citi banking app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
• Call the number on the back of the card.
• Send a text message from your registered mobile phone number – ACT [space] [last 4 digits of your card number] – to 6058, and you will immediately receive a response message that the card is registered.

How to activate your Credit One Bank

There is only one way to activate a Credit One Bank card:

• Within 14 days of receiving a new card, call the phone number on the sticker on the front of the card.

How to activate the Discover card

Discover provides cardholders with two ways to activate their cards:

• Visit the bank’s website to activate.
• Call the issuer’s customer support at 800-347-2683.

How to activate your Wells Fargo card

Wells Fargo offers three ways to activate your cards:

• Visit the bank’s website and sign in or create a new account.
• Call the issuer at 800-642-4720.
• Download and use the Wells Fargo banking app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (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 you will still be able to log into your credit card account and see your credit limit.

What happens if I don’t activate my credit card?

If you do not activate and use your credit card, your account may eventually be closed due to inactivity. This may not be an issue if you decide that you don’t need the card after all, although you were likely subjected to a tough scrutiny of your credit report when you applied for one. If your account has been closed but you still wish to receive your card, please contact your issuer to see if it can be reopened.

Keep your credit card safe after activation

Once you activate your new credit card, you’ll want to keep it as safe and secure as possible.

You already know how to sign it right after activation, but there are other ways to secure it.

• First, enable alerts for suspicious activity.. If the issuer finds anything strange in your account – such as a very large purchase that you don’t normally make, or an out-of-state purchase – they will contact you immediately to confirm the purchase.
• Never give out your credit card informationand provide the issuer with up-to-date contact information so that they can notify you if they detect any fraudulent activity with the card.
• Check your account regularly to see if any unauthorized purchases have been made on your account.. If you notice any, contact the issuer immediately to report it.
• Finally, only use the card for online purchases on secure sites and never when you are on a public Wi-Fi network.and never let an online merchant save your credit card number for future purchases.

bottom line

As soon as you activate your new credit card, you’re all set: let the shopping begin, but use it responsibly. Once you activate it, be sure to follow the steps above to protect yourself from credit card fraud and identity theft – you’ll probably sleep better at night knowing you’ve greatly reduced your chances of becoming a victim.

Barri Segal is a staff reporter for CreditCards.com with over 20 years experience in the publishing and advertising industry, writing and editing articles for all styles, genres, media and audiences.