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Call your credit card company
- Most new credit cards are sent in a de-activated state to the mailing address you provided on your application. This is to prevent unauthorized use in case the card is lost or stolen before you receive it. Instructions on how to activate the card should be enclosed. If you don't see them, call your credit card company.
If you don’t activate your credit card in time, the issuer may close your account automatically. Nevertheless, your card will appear on your credit report even if you don't activate it. That won't drastically affect your credit score.
Sep 18, 2024 · If you don’t have it, you might be able to scan a QR code on your card’s sticker or in your issuer’s letter to prompt a download. Verify your card information through the app .
- Overview
- Activating Your Card by Phone
- Activating Your Card Online
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finish giving the system your information. Once you've given all the information, your card will be activated.
Take off the sticker, and sign the card.
Peel the sticker back from the card with the activation information on it. Add your signature to the back of the card.
Find the activation information on your card.
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.
Enter the information on the bank or credit company's website to activate your card.
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.
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.
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.
Nov 17, 2022 · If you don’t activate a credit card and don’t use it, your account may ultimately be closed due to inactivity. It may not be an issue if you decide you don’t want the card after all, though you likely incurred a hard inquiry on your credit report when you applied for it.
Jun 8, 2023 · Fact Checked. Got your new credit card? Before you start using it, you need to activate it. It’s a simple process, involving either calling the issuer or heading online. Once finished, you’re free to use your credit card. There are a few things to know and have ready.
Jul 21, 2024 · To activate your card online, visit the secure website printed on the sticker on the card. To activate your card over the phone, call the toll-free number listed on the card sticker. Either way, remove the sticker and sign the back of the card after you've activated it.
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May 20, 2024 · 1. Call the automated number on the card. New debit cards often have a sticker on the front that gives you a number to call to activate the card. If your card doesn’t have this, call the customer service number provided on the back of the card. [1] 2. Follow the prompts to enter the required information.
