How to Activate a New Credit Card
Activate in a couple of minutes
When your card arrives, activate it one of three ways: call the phone number on the sticker, log in to the issuer website, or use the issuer mobile app. You will verify your identity (often the last digits of your Social Security number and the card details). Then sign the back of the card. The card usually works within minutes of activation.
Set it up properly
Activation is the moment to set the card up right: create or log in to your online account, turn on autopay for at least the minimum so you never miss a due date, and add the card to your phone mobile wallet so you can use it before the physical card is even out of the envelope on some issuers.
First moves with the new card
Note any welcome-bonus spending deadline, point your regular bills at the card if it earns a bonus there, and enable transaction alerts. A few minutes of setup at activation turns the card into a tool that earns and protects from day one. See what to do with a new credit card.
Frequently asked questions
Related reading
