How to Activate a Credit Card

So you applied for a credit card. But before you can enjoy exciting rewards and cardholder perks, build credit over time – or simply make a purchase – you’ll need to activate your new card. But just how do you activate a credit card? And why is activation required in the first place? Let’s find out.

Credit card activation is the process of making your new credit card ready for use. To begin the activation process, you simply follow your card issuer’s specific instructions, such as calling a number or going to a certain website, and enter any required personal information. After verifying your identity, your card issuer will effectively “turn on” your credit card. You can then begin to make purchases and enjoy any additional cardholder benefits available to you.

The exact steps required to activate a credit card depend on the card issuer. But the process is usually quick and convenient, and typically entails some variation of the following five steps:

1. Receive the card. Before you can activate your credit card, you usually have to wait to receive the card in the mail – generally within 7-10 days of application approval. But take note: Some card issuers now offer instant card numbers, enabling you to access your card immediately after you’re approved (more on that later).

2. Look for instructions. Most credit cards should come with activation instructions, either printed on a sticker on the front of the card or in a pamphlet that’s mailed with the card. These should clearly outline the activation process.

3. Follow the instructions. While the instructions that come with your card will be specific to your card issuer’s activation process, you can usually activate your new credit card online or by phone. If activating by phone, it’s a good idea to call from the phone number you used to open your account. This way, when you call, the card issuer knows it’s you – ensuring that the new credit card is in the right hands.

Whether activating online or by phone, you should be prepared to provide some personal information, such as your new card number, its card security code, and other relevant personal details. For example, if you’re activating online and you don’t already have an account with the card issuer, you may need to provide additional personal information such as your name, birthday, and zip code. But if you do have an existing account – maybe you have a bank account or another credit card with the card issuer – you may simply need to log in and enter your new card info, as they likely already have your other important personal information on file.

• Security tip: If you choose to activate your new credit card online, avoid using a shared computer or public Wi-Fi. Activating from your personal computer on a secure home network can keep your personal and card information secure.

4. Wait for confirmation. If all information is correct and checks out, activation confirmation should happen immediately, and you can start using your card. Online, you should see a message saying your card is ready for use. If you activated your new credit card by phone, you’ll likely hear a confirmation message.

5. Try your new card. It’s a good idea to make a purchase after activating your new card, just to be sure everything is in working order. It doesn’t have to be a major expense; a small purchase like a cup of coffee will do. If the transaction goes through, you’re good to go. But if an error occurs – if the card is declined, for example – it’s important to contact your card issuer to resolve the issue.

Some card issuers offer instant card numbers that allow you to immediately activate and use your new card before the physical card comes in the mail. Here’s how it works: If your application is approved, and the card offers instant card number access, you’ll usually be able to add your new card to your digital wallet and make purchases right away. If you don’t use a digital wallet, some card issuers might provide your card number so you can write down or memorize your account number, expiration date, and security code before making a purchase online.

These “virtual” credit cards can be an effective way to get a head start on earning a welcome bonus, which often requires hitting a certain spending threshold within a few months of opening the card account. Or maybe there’s a flash sale for a big-ticket item on your wish list, but it will no longer be in effect by the time you receive your physical card. An instant card number can help you take advantage of that sale.