How To Activate a Credit Card
Your new credit card will likely come with a sticker that notes activation instructions. Most credit card issuers give you a few options for activating your credit card: by phone, online, or through your credit card issuer’s mobile app. At a minimum, you’ll need your credit card number—which you can find on the physical credit card—and the security code from the back of the credit card (or the front of the card for American Express).
Online
Most credit card issuers allow you to activate your credit card online. Visit the credit card issuer’s website and follow the prompts to activate your credit card. You may have to enroll in online banking to activate your credit card, depending on the card issuer, even if you’re not going to have a bank account with the issuer.
App
If your credit card issuer offers a mobile app, you may be able to download the app and activate your credit card through it. Most issuers send activation instructions, including how to download and set up their app and activate a new card upon sign-up.
By Phone
Your credit card issuer will give a toll-free number you can call to activate your credit card. Once you call the number, follow the prompts and your credit card will be activated and ready to use.
Instant and Virtual Credit Cards
Some new credit cards can be used even before your physical credit card arrives. You may be given an instant credit card number that you can use in a digital wallet like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay before your card arrives. Once you enter the credit card number in the wallet, you may need to go through some steps before your bank will verify the card is yours and you can use it in the wallet.
Activation Process for Major Credit Card Issuers
Most large banks that issue credit cards give you several different ways to activate your new card. Here are some methods offered by the largest card companies:
American Express
Register for an online account at americanexpress.com/activate and then activate your card. Download the American Express app, then enter your card details, create an account, and activate your card. Call the helpline number for your credit card and follow the prompts to activate your credit card.
Bank of America
Visit bankofamerica.com/activate to log in to your existing online banking account at the Bank of America website or enroll in a new account if you don’t already have one. Then you can activate your card. Log in to your account on the Bank of America mobile banking app and activate from there, or download the app and enroll your account to activate your new card. Call the credit card activation line at 800-276-9939.
Barclays
Log in or create a new account at barclaycardus.com/activate and then activate the card. Call the credit card activation line at 877-408-8866. Activate through the Barclays mobile app.
Capital One
Visit capitalone.com/activate to log in to your Capital One account or to enroll in a new account, where you can activate your card. Text “Mobile” to 80101 from a mobile device for an activation link. Call 1-800-227-4825 and follow the prompts.
Chase
Call the toll-free number as noted on the card’s activation sticker instructions and follow the automated voice prompts; there may also be a specific URL for online activation. Log in or create a Chase account at chase.com/personal/credit-cards/verify-credit-card to verify your card online.
Citi
Visit citi.com/activate. Use the Citi mobile app to activate.
Discover
Visit discover.com/activate with or without logging in. Call customer service at 1-800-DISCOVER.
USAA
Log into your USAA account and navigate to USAA.com/my/card-activation/. Activate by phone at 800-411-4300.
U.S. Bank
Log in to your online account at usbank.com, or enroll in online banking and then activate your card. Log in or download the U.S. Bank Mobile App, then select the option to manage cards and activate your new card. Call 1-888-200-9959.
