Can I use a credit card before it arrives in the mail?

Question

To activate a credit card, call the number on the back of the card or go to the website listed on the activation sticker attached to the card. Credit card activation typically requires the credit card number, the security code (CVV), or both.

The exact steps required to activate a credit card depend on the card issuer, so it’s best to follow the instructions from the sticker attached on your card. If you’ve lost your sticker – or you’re just wondering – here’s a quick reference guide to credit card activation with some of the biggest card issuers.... read full answer

Here’s how to activate credit cards from major issuers:

Issuer	Activation Phone Number	Activate Online?	Activate via Mobile App?
American Express	(800) 528-4800	Yes	Yes
Bank of America	(800) 276-9939	Yes	Yes
Barclays	(888) 232-0780	Yes	No
Capital One	Phone number on the back of your credit card	Yes	Yes
Chase	(800) 432-3117	Yes	No
Citibank	Phone number on the back of your credit card	Yes	Yes
Discover	(800) 347-2683	Yes	Yes
U.S. Bank	Phone number on the back of your credit card	Yes	Yes
Wells Fargo	Phone number from the sticker attached on your card.	Yes	Yes

It’s important to remember that some credit card issuers will require your Social Security number or other information to verify your identity when you activate your card. Once you’ve activated your credit card, you can use it right away.

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Answer 1 · 2022-04-08 20:45:32

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Hector Molina, WalletHub Analyst

@hectormolina • 04/08/22 This answer was first published on 07/10/20 and it was last updated on 04/08/22.For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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Yes, you can use a credit card before it arrives in the mail, but only with certain cards. If you want to use a credit card early, you must either have an American Express or Capital One credit card or one of a handful of other offers, including the Apple Card, and some store credit cards. Normally, you can’t use a credit card without restriction before it arrives, because you can’t see the full credit card number, expiration date and CVV until you have the card in hand.

Credit cards that you can use before arrival

Cards from certain issuers: If you need to start using a credit card today, you’ll likely want to consider applying for an American Express credit card. Amex is one of the few card issuers that will give out a full card number that can be used anywhere upon approval of an application. Capital One credit cards are also sometimes available for immediate use via the Capital One mobile app. But not everyone is eligible for this feature.
Co-branded cards: Some credit cards that you can use before the actual card arrives - like the Apple Card - only allow you to add the card to a merchant-specific digital wallet. So you’ll only be able to use it with that merchant until the card arrives in the mail.
Some store cards: There are a few credit cards that you can use instantly after approval, like the Fingerhut Credit Card. But you can only use this card for purchases at Fingerhut.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that you can ask a credit card issuer for expedited card delivery – in some cases, this will get the card to you the next day. Finding a card that you can use before it arrives in the mail might seem less important with that in mind.

Kirill Elagin @kirelagin

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Unfortunately, looks like this is not accurate. Amex does give you your full card number and temporary security code for online payments, but you cannot setup contactless payments in Google on your phone, at least not in my experience – I tried adding it, but it failed with an error, so I called Amex and they told me that there was no way, one needs to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail before fully enabling it in Google Pay.

Answer 2 · 2021-05-13

Kirill Elagin @kirelagin

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Unfortunately, looks like this is not accurate. Amex does give you your full card number and temporary security code for online payments, but you cannot setup contactless payments in Google on your phone, at least not in my experience – I tried adding it, but it failed with an error, so I called Amex and they told me that there was no way, one needs to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail before fully enabling it in Google Pay.

Answer 3 · 2020-07-10 11:12:43

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Mike Daniels, Member

@mike_daniels • 07/10/20 This answer was first published on 08/14/18 and it was last updated on 07/10/20.For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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In most cases, you won't be able to use a credit card before it arrives and you will have to wait until you receive it in the mail. The best thing you can do is ask for expedited shipping, as some issuers offer it for free.

Can I use a credit card before it arrives in the mail?

Hector Molina, WalletHub Analyst

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