How do I activate a credit card?

Unfortunately most issuers won't disclose their credit card activation time limit. But a fair assumption, based on what most cardholders report, is between 60 and 90 days.
Nevertheless, your card will appear on your credit report even if you don't activate it. That won't drastically affect your credit score. But it will improve your credit utilization ration ratio, even if you never activate the card.… read full answer

You can activate a Visa credit card by calling the number on the back of your card or through the issuer’s website. 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:

• By 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’ll be happy to manually activate your card for you once you prove your identity.
• 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 American Express and Bank of America credit cards.
• Through customer service. Besides calling your credit card company’s customer service department, you could also call the general Visa customer service number at 1-800-847-2911. 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. And 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.

To activate a Credit One card, call customer service at (877) 825-3242. It is not possible to activate a Credit One card online. The activation phone number will also be printed on the decal affixed to the front of the new card. As a security measure, Credit One recommends calling from the telephone number that you listed on your application. You will have to provide that number to customer service, anyway, if you call from a different phone.… read full answer

When you call, enter your 16-digit credit card number. Because the number is for a card that has yet to be activated, the call will automatically route to the Credit One card activation menu. You can use either the voice automated system or, when prompted, connect to a customer service representative. You will then need to provide your birth date, your Social Security number (SSN) and the card’s 3-digit security code.

Credit One does not provide an instant card number to use before the card arrives, which is usually around 10 business days after you’re approved. When you receive the card, you won’t be able to make any transactions on it until you activate it. Once activated, your Credit One card will be immediately available for use.

There is a deadline to activate, however. Credit One may close the account if you do not activate your new card within 14 days after you receive it in the mail. If this happens, you will not be able to reopen the account; you will have to re-apply for a new card.