There is a good chance that the activation instructions for your new credit card will be printed on a sticker with the card. You may activate your credit card via most credit card issuers in various ways, including over the phone, online, or using the mobile app provided by your credit card issuer. You will, at least, require your credit card number, which can be on the actual credit card, and the security code, which may be on the back of the credit card.

Online

Most credit card issuers now allow you to activate your card on their websites. Visit the company's website that issued your credit card, and then follow the on-screen instructions to activate your card. To activate your credit card, the card issuer may want you to register for online banking. This may be the case even if you do not intend to open a bank account with the card issuer.

App

If the company that issued your credit card has a mobile app, you may be able to activate your card by downloading the app and using it to perform the activation process. Upon signup, most issuers will offer activation instructions, which typically include how to download and set up their app and activate a new card.

By Phone

To activate your credit card, the company that issued you the card will provide a toll-free number for you to call. After dialing the number and following the on-screen instructions, your credit card will be authorized and available immediately.

Instant and Virtual Credit Cards

Some recently issued credit cards may be used immediately, even before the card arrives in the mail. Before your physical credit card arrives, you could be provided with an immediate credit card number that you can use in a digital wallet application such as Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. After you have entered the credit card information into the wallet, you may be required to go through some further procedures before your bank verifies that the card belongs to you and allow you to use it in the wallet.

You will be able to begin making purchases immediately after adding an instant credit card number to a digital wallet, which is one of the many benefits of doing so. If you are working for a rewards card signup bonus that needs you to spend thousands of dollars on the card within a certain time, getting a head start on meeting the spending requirements might be beneficial.

On the day you establish your account, many store cards, and co-branded cards will supply you with a virtual credit card number that you may use online or in the app. Similarly, the day you establish an account for a store credit card often marks the beginning of your ability to use the card for in-store transactions.

Procedures for Activation Required by Major Credit Card Issuers

American Express

• First, go to americanexpress.com/activate and create an online account for yourself. After that, activate your card.
• Install the American Express mobile app on your device, then follow the on-screen prompts to input your card information, set up an account, and activate your card.
• To activate your credit card, call the customer service number on the back of the card, and then follow the voice instructions.

Barclays

• Activate the card by logging in to your existing account or creating a new one on barclaycardus.com/activate.
• Dial (877) 408-8866 to speak with an agent about activating your credit card.
• Activate using the mobile app provided by Barclays.

Capital One

• You may activate your Capital One card by going to capitalone.com/activate, where you can log in to your existing Capital One account or sign up for a new one.
• To get an activation link on your mobile device, text the word "Mobile" to the number 80101. Dial 1-800-227-4825 and listen carefully to the voice directions.

Discover

• Visit discover.com/activate to activate your account, whether or not you are logged in.
• Dial 1-800-DISCOVER to speak with a customer service representative.

What Are The Potential Consequences Of Failing To Activate A Credit Card?

When you activate your credit card, you let the card issuer know that you have received the card and are ready to use it. There is a possibility that you will be unable to utilize a card that has not yet been activated. You may have to contact the company that issued your credit card to get a replacement card if you don't activate it within a specified time.

If your card includes an annual fee, you are still subject to paying it if it does. If you don't pay the yearly fee, you risk missing a payment, being charged a late fee, and having your credit score suffer. Last but not least, there is always a chance that the account may be terminated for lack of use.