Any credit card you receive in the mail is nothing more than a piece of plastic until you activate it, regardless of whether you’ve just opened a brand new credit card account or you’ve requested a replacement card for an account you’ve had for years.
We’ll walk you through exactly how to activate a credit card so that you can get your account set up and running as fast as possible.
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Why do you need to activate your credit card?
Any credit card you receive will arrive de-activated. No one will be able to use it until you’ve activated it. 1
This might seem like a hassle, but it’s a crucial security measure that protects you from fraud. The activation process involves verifying your identity, so it eliminates any risk that someone else will start racking up credit card debt under your name.
This can be a lifesaver if the card ends up in the wrong hands before it gets to you—whether because it was sent to the wrong address or because someone stole your mail.
What are the different ways you can activate a credit card?
There are four main ways to activate a credit card:
1. Online
To activate a credit card online, go to the card issuer’s website or the URL provided with your card and follow the instructions.
This is often the simplest and easiest way to activate a credit card, especially if (like many people these days) you’re not a fan of making phone calls.
You may be required to set up online banking or register an account before activating your card.
2. Over the phone
To activate a credit card by phone, call the card activation number that came with it. If you can’t find this number, then you can also call the toll-free number printed on the back of your card (the card issuer’s customer service line) for general inquiries.
Make sure to call from the same phone number that’s associated with your account. Some card issuers check the number you’re using as part of the identity verification process, and if you call from a different phone number, they may require you to provide more information to identify yourself.
3. Through a mobile app
Many banks have mobile apps, which you can usually use to quickly activate a credit card. Once you’ve downloaded the app and logged in or set up an account, just follow the steps for card activation.
4. In person
If you’d prefer to take a more traditional approach to credit card activation, you can visit a local bank branch and ask a teller or customer service representative to activate your new credit card for you.
Just bear in mind that not every card issuer will offer in-person card activation. For example, a fully online bank may only allow you to activate new credit cards digitally or by phone.
What information do you need to prepare to activate a credit card?
When activating a credit card, be prepared to provide your creditor with your card details, such as the:
- Credit card number
- Expiration date
- Credit card security code
To verify your identity, they’ll probably also ask you to provide personal information, such as your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN).
Credit card activation instructions by card issuer
Regardless of whether you have a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card, the options you have for activating it depend on the card issuer.
Your credit card company should ship activation instructions along with your new card. Many cards also come adorned with a hard-to-miss sticker providing an activation phone number or website URL.
The easiest way to activate your credit card is to simply follow these instructions. However, if you lost them or never got them in the first place use the information in the table below.
Where to Activate Credit Cards from Major Card Issuers
| Card Issuer Activation Page | Customer Service Number |
|---|---|
| Capital One | (800) 227-4825 |
| Chase | (800) 432-3117 |
| Bank of America | (800) 276-9939 |
| Credit One (only allows phone activation) | (877) 825-3242 |
| Wells Fargo | (800) 642-4720 |
| US Bank | (800) 872-2657 |
| Synchrony Bank | (866) 419-4096 |
| Citi | (800) 950-5114 |
| Self | (877) 883-0999 |
Note: Some of the phone numbers listed above are general-purpose customer service lines. You may be able to get more targeted customer support by contacting the number on the back of your card.
How long does it take to activate a credit card?
Credit card activation is usually a quick process. In most cases, it should only take a few minutes to do digitally or over the phone.
Of course, it might take longer if you need to travel to visit a branch to activate your card in person, or if you need to set up an online or mobile banking account.
How long after activating a credit card before you can use it?
You can usually begin using a credit card as soon as you’ve activated it.
If you’re having trouble using your card or you want to find out whether your card has actually been successfully activated, contact your card issuer. They’ll be able to give you an update about your card’s status and help you troubleshoot any issues you’re having.
How long do you have to activate a credit card?
The time limit for activating a new credit card varies by card issuer. Some credit card companies will only give you 2 weeks, whereas others may give you 1–2 months.
If you don’t activate your credit card within this period, then your creditor may cancel or close your credit card account. Closing a credit card account can hurt your credit in several ways, so it’s best to avoid this outcome.
