PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

When you get your new credit card in the mail, you have to activate it to be able to use it and make purchases. Luckily, it’s super quick and easy to activate your card over the phone or online. Just keep reading to learn how to activate your card!

Things You Should Know

  • 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. Simply type in the requested information, such as your card info, DOB, and SSN.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Activating Your Card by Phone

PDF download Download Article
  1. Like the website, the phone number to activate the credit card will likely be on the card. It may also be in the paperwork with the card.
  2. You'll likely need your credit card number, your account number, and the security code on the back of the card. The account number should be with the information that came with the card. You may also need your Social Security number or your date of birth. You may be asked to give your full name.[1]
    Advertisement
  3. Once you dial the number, you will likely reach a recorded service. Follow the directions given by the system. You may have to input information with the keypad, such as your credit card number or security code.[2]
  4. Finish giving the system your information. Once you've given all the information, your card will be activated.
  5. Peel the sticker back from the card with the activation information on it. Add your signature to the back of the card.
  6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Activating Your Card Online

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your card should have a website where you can activate your card. Often, it is on a sticker on the card, but it may also be in the packet of information that came with the card.[3]
  2. 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.[4]
  3. Once you've entered the information, review it to make sure it is correct. Hit the submit or the activate button, and your card will be activated.[5]
    • After you've activated the card online, browse the website a bit to find out if there are any special offers available for new activations. Many companies provide benefits to new cardholders.[6]
  4. Financial institutions will call you or send you an email to verify the activation. If you don't receive an email, you can contact the company to verify that your card was activated.
  5. Take the sticker off the card that had the activation information on it. Sign the back of the card with your name.
  6. You will likely need an online account with the company after activating your card.[7] To set up an account, you'll need information like your date of birth, your Social Security number, an email address, a password, and an account number. You may also need to set up a username that is separate from your email.[8] Some websites do not require you to have an online an account to activate your card. Check to see if yours does by visiting the activation website listed on the card.[9]
    • If you already have an account, enter your new username and password to access your account.[10]
  7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How soon should I activate my card after receiving it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Whenever you want to. Most people do it right away.
  • Question
    What's the phone number used to activate credit cards?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It is completely different for every credit card. Contact the provider of the credit card or the bank that it is run through. They should allow you to activate the card in a timely manner.
  • Question
    What should I do if the info sticker on the card was taken off and there is no other information?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If the sticker on the card was taken off then you should contact the bank or go online to the bank's website. The credit card activation paper should have all the information you need including the bank's contact information.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

  • If you have trouble, call customer service, and click through until you get a live person. That person can talk you through the process or activate your card for you.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Activate your credit card on your own computer with your internet connection, as it is more secure than public WiFi connections.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Repair a Warped Debit or Credit CardRepair a Warped Debit or Credit Card
Find Your Credit Card Account NumberFind Your Credit Card Account Number
Sign a Credit CardSign a Credit Card
Pay Someone Else's Credit Card BillPay Someone Else's Credit Card Bill
Bypass Cvv CodeCan You Use Cards without the CVV Code? Scams, Fraud Protection & More
Activate a Chase Credit Card2 Simple Ways to Verify Your Chase Card
Make a Discover Card Payment Make a Discover Card Payment without Complications
Dispose of a Credit Card Dispose of a Credit Card
Change Credit Card InformationChange Credit Card Information
Cancel a Credit Card PaymentCancel a Credit Card Payment
Keep RFID Credit Cards Safe Protect Your RFID Credit Card
Send Credit Card Information Securely by EmailSend Credit Card Information Securely by Email
Receive a Refund on Prepaid Credit CardsReceive a Refund on Prepaid Credit Cards
Transfer a Visa Gift Card Balance to Your Bank Account with Square Transfer a Visa Gift Card Balance to a Bank Account with Square
Advertisement

About This Article

Priya Malani
Co-authored by:
Financial Advisor & Founding Partner, Stash Wealth
This article was co-authored by Priya Malani. Priya Malani is a Financial Advisor and the Founding Partner of Stash Wealth, a financial planning and investment management firm for HENRYs™ (High Earners, Not Rich Yet). She has over 15 years of wealth management and financial advising experience. Priya's work with Stash Wealth has been featured in Fortune, Wall Street Journal, and CNBC as well as entertainment and lifestyle brands such as the NYPost, Bustle, SiriusXM, and Refinery29. She earned a BA in Economics from Agnes Scott College in 2004. This article has been viewed 351,324 times.
31 votes - 57%
Co-authors: 21
Updated: October 28, 2023
Views: 351,324
Categories: Credit Cards
Article SummaryX

To activate a credit card, start by finding the card's activation information, which can usually be found on a sticker or in a packet that came with the card. Then, visit the provided website and set up an account with your credit card company. Once you have an account, log in and enter all of your card information to activate it. If your credit card activation information came with a phone number, you may be able to call it and activate your card over the phone. To learn how to confirm that your card has been activated, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 351,324 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Robert Salas

    Robert Salas

    Aug 18, 2019

    "There are times when information provided is just confusing. wikiHow takes away that confusion in simple steps."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement