How to Activate a Credit Card: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial (2024)

FAQs

How to Activate a Credit Card: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial? ›

Activate your card on the phone by finding the phone number on the card or in the card's paperwork. Then, dial the number. Be ready to enter your credit card number, your account number, and the security code on the back of the card. Or, visit the website on your credit card or inside the paperwork.

How do I activate a new credit card? To activate your new credit card you'll need the credit card number and your date of birth. You can either activate your card via online banking, mobile banking, phoning the card provider directly or in person at the nearest branch of your bank.

You can easily activate your credit card by reaching out to the bank's customer care service. Once you contact the bank's customer support department, they will guide you in activating your credit card. You can visit the bank's official website to find the customer care numbers.

No matter where you bank, the process is similar. You can call the automated number on the card to activate it and set up your PIN number. Or, you can activate the card through your bank, by using it at an ATM, or by making a purchase anywhere Visa is accepted.

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.

It is not the same for all credit cards. Thus, it is very important that you follow the card-specific instructions that you receive when you get your credit card. Some banks may require you to activate the card online, and some might require you to visit an ATM and get the card activated by swiping it.

When you receive your new credit card in the mail, it should have a sticker on the front that will explain how to activate it by either calling a phone number or going to a website. Locate the number and dial it using your phone. Ordinarily, the phone number will be a toll-free number, such as an 800 number.

What number do I use to activate my card? ›

How to activate your credit card by phone. If you prefer to activate your credit card via phone, call the number on the activation sticker attached to your card — or, if the credit card issuer doesn't provide a separate activation phone number, call the number on the back of your card.

You can activate your credit card without calling via the issuer's website, mobile app or both. It also may be possible to activate your card in person by visiting one of the issuer's branches and speaking with a teller.

If you don't activate a credit card within a certain timeframe and don't use it, your account may be closed automatically and be reported as 'closed by credit grantor', which could have a negative impact on your credit.

Activating a new credit card is an easy process that you may be able to do online, using a mobile app or by phone. Be prepared to verify your identity and your new card information when activating a credit card.

Call customer service: You can call the phone number on the back of your credit card to reach customer service. You'll be able to check the status of your card and, if it is deactivated, you can ask about reactivation. Make a purchase: Another way to check if a card is active is to try and use it to make a purchase.

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.