How do I register my credit card?

A credit card account number is up to 12 digits long and is part of your credit card number. The length of a credit card account number depends on the card issuer: American Express account numbers are 8 digits, for example, while many other card issuers have 9-digit account numbers. A credit card account number is similar to a checking account number, though most people will use their checking account number far more.… read full answer

How to find a credit card account number

You won’t find your credit card account number on your card statement, and usually it can’t be found in your online credit card account details, either. This is for security purposes. But if your credit card number is printed on your card, your account number is, too.

The first 6 digits of your credit card number represent the industry of your credit card and the card issuer. The last digit of your card number is used to verify your card info. The credit card account number begins at the seventh digit and ends on the second-to-last digit.

For example, if your credit card number is 16 digits long, your credit card account number would be the capitalized, bolded digits below:

aaaa-aaAA-AAAA-AAAa

While it’s good to know how to find a credit card account number - and good to know what your credit card number means - you may never need to use your credit card account number. Some card issuers may require a credit card account number when initiating a balance transfer. But most transactions will use the full credit card number, often along with the expiration date and security code, rather than just the account number.

To activate a Mastercard credit card, call the number on the back of the card and follow the prompts. Some Mastercard credit card issuers may also place a sticker on the front of the card with a special activation website address and phone number.

Specific instructions to activate your Mastercard will depend on the credit card issuer, as you cannot activate a Mastercard credit card through Mastercard itself. But in nearly all cases, you will need to enter your credit card number, expiration date, and security code. Your card’s issuer may request additional info such as your birthday and Social Security number or Tax ID number to verify your identity, too.… read full answer

Key Things to Know About Activating a Mastercard Credit Card

• You can usually activate a Mastercard credit card by phone or online.
• It only takes a few minutes to activate a Mastercard, regardless of the method you choose.
• To activate a Mastercard credit card online, you will need to log into (or create an account on) the issuer’s website or mobile app.
• There may be a deadline, typically between 60 and 90 days, to activate a Mastercard credit card before the issuer may close the account.

Be aware that you will not be able to use your Mastercard until you activate it, but once you do, the card should be immediately available for use.

The easiest way you can activate Visa credit cards is either through the issuer’s website, or by calling the number you see on the back of your card. Different cards will have different options. When you receive your Visa card in the mail, it should come with a set of instructions for activating. It’s hard to give specifics because the exact instructions for each issuer are different. But we can take you through the basics of each method. … read full answer

Here’s how to activate Visa credit cards:

• Online:
  Many issuers will provide you with the address of an activation website, where all you have to do is enter your card and personal information. You may also be able to activate your card by logging into your account from the issuer’s homepage and navigating from there.
  
  For example, here are the online activation pages for Capital One and Bank of America credit cards.
• Over the phone:
  Your credit card will often come with a sticker on it or an instruction sheet that lists the phone number of an activation line. This line may be automated or may have actual representatives you can talk to. You’ll typically need to enter your card number and a few pieces of personal information, such as your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth and/or zip code. Once you complete the process your card will be ready to use.
  
  If you lose the activation instructions or are having technical difficulties, all is not lost. You can call the number on the back of your card to reach customer service. They should be able to manually activate your card for you once you prove your identity.
• Through customer service:
  Besides calling your credit card company’s customer service department, you could also call the general Visa customer service number at (800) 847-2911.
  
  They most likely won’t be able to activate your card for you, but they can tell you whom you need to contact in order to do so. But it’s generally most efficient to talk to your issuer. A lot of companies have 24/7 customer service lines, so you should be able to get in contact any time.

Activation is a pretty easy process, usually taking only a minute or two. Keep in mind that it’s important to do it as soon as possible. Some issuers may close your account if you don’t activate your card within a certain amount of time.