The Ultimate Guide to Activating Your Credit Card

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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

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    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.
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    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]
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    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Activate-a-Credit-Card-Step-4-Version-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-a-Credit-Card-Step-4-Version-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Activate-a-Credit-Card-Step-4-Version-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-a-Credit-Card-Step-4-Version-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Finish giving the system your information. Once you've given all the information, your card will be activated.
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    Peel the sticker back from the card with the activation information on it. Add your signature to the back of the card.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Activating Your Card Online

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    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]
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    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]
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    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]
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    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.
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    Take the sticker off the card that had the activation information on it. Sign the back of the card with your name.
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    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]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How soon should I activate my card after receiving it?
    Community Answer
    Whenever you want to. Most people do it right away.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 27
  • Question
    What's the phone number used to activate credit cards?
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 34
  • Question
    What should I do if the info sticker on the card was taken off and there is no other information?
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      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.
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      Warnings

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

      1. ↑ https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/how-to-activate-a-credit-card/
      2. ↑ Priya Malani. Financial Advisor. Expert Interview. 23 March 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/how-to-activate-a-credit-card/
      4. ↑ Priya Malani. Financial Advisor. Expert Interview. 23 March 2020.
      5. ↑ https://online.citibank.com/US/CBOL/sec/secgat/flow.action?siteId=CB&locale=en_US
      6. ↑ Priya Malani. Financial Advisor. Expert Interview. 23 March 2020.
      7. ↑ https://connect.secure.wellsfargo.com/auth/login/present?origin=cob&loginMode=jukePassword&serviceType=activateCard&LOB=CONS
      8. ↑ https://online.wellsfargo.com/das/channel/enrollDisplay
      9. ↑ https://online.citibank.com/US/CBOL/sec/secgat/flow.action?siteId=CB&locale=en_US
      1. ↑ https://www.chase.com/credit-cards/rtbl/verify-credit-card

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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!

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