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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.
Here’s how to activate credit cards from major issuers:
| Issuer | Activation Phone Number | Activate Online? | Activate via Mobile App? |
| American Express | |||
| Bank of America | |||
| Barclays | No | ||
| Capital One | Phone number on the back of your credit card | ||
| Chase | No | ||
| Citibank | Phone number on the back of your credit card | ||
| Discover | Yes | Yes | |
| U.S. Bank | Phone number on the back of your credit card | ||
| Wells Fargo | Phone number from the sticker attached on your card. |
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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How can I activate my credit card without calling?
You can activate your credit card without calling by using the issuer’s website or mobile app, in most cases. It also may be possible to activate your card in person by visiting one of the issuer’s branches and speaking with a teller.
When you receive your credit card in the mail, there should be instructions for exactly how to activate your card and what methods are available. The exact steps will differ from issuer...
read full answerWhat is the average credit card activation time limit?
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.
How do I activate my Visa credit card?
The easiest way you can activate your Visa credit card 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 on how to activate it. It’s hard to give specifics because the exact instructions are different for each issuer. But we can take you through...
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