How to activate your new credit card

Quick insights

• Depending on your credit card issuer, you may be required to activate your card prior to using it.
• If you do need to activate your card, you can typically call the number on the back of the card or visit your card issuer’s website to do so.
• In many cases, cardmembers can use their credit card for transactions before they receive the physical card.

Once you’re approved for a new credit card, you’ll generally need to wait 7-10 business days for it to arrive in the mail. Your credit card will likely arrive in a sealed envelope (usually with a copy of your cardholder agreement) and instructions on how to start using your card. Some credit card issuers require you to activate your credit card before use; check with your specific card issuer to see if there’s an activation requirement.

If your card does require activation, you can usually complete the step over the phone or online. Regardless of whether your card requires activation, it can be helpful to read your cardmember agreement, which outlines details like your card’s interest rate, rewards structure and how to enroll in an online account.

Read on to learn about the typical steps for activating a credit card should your card issuer require it.

How do I activate a credit card?

While some cards do not require activation, there are two main ways to activate those that do: by phone or app/online. Start by checking your credit card for a sticker with instructions on how to activate. If your card does not have this sticker, you may not need to activate it.

Call the number on the card

If there is a sticker on your credit card that contains instructions on how to activate it, it will typically include an accompanying phone number. This will likely be a toll-free number you can call for instructions from an automated voice operator.

You may be instructed to input your credit card number over the phone or a secured PIN to complete the verification process.

Activate online

If the sticker on your credit card provides a secured website link, you can also activate your credit card online. Type the link into your browser and follow any instructions on the website. You may need to verify your credit card number and answer pre-set security questions.

How long after activating a credit card can I use it?

If you have a credit card that requires activation, you can typically begin using your credit card immediately after verifying receipt or activating the card.

If you have a credit card that does not require activation prior to use, you can use it for certain transactions (like online purchases) as soon as you have the credit card number and other necessary details like the CVV number and expiration date.

What happens if I don't activate a credit card?

If your credit card requires activation and you do not activate it, your account will remain open. Because the credit card isn’t being used, the impact to your credit score from payment history will likely be minimal to non-existent.

However, the credit limit you were approved for will be allotted into the portion of your credit score's debt-to-income ratio (30% of your score) that keeps track of your current debt and available credit. So, even if you don't activate and use a new credit card, it could potentially still affect your overall credit score. If your credit card charges an annual fee, the annual fee will still be in effect even if you don't activate the card.

In summary

Some credit cards require activation before use while others don’t; this will vary by credit card issuer. There are two main methods for activating a new credit card: by phone or online.

Remember to read over your cardmember agreement when you activate the card so that you can be aware of any finalized interest rate details and learn about any reward programs. This may also be a good time to enroll in an automated payment schedule or sign up for an online account.

Keep in mind that if your credit card does not require activation, you may be able to use it prior to receiving your physical card (provided you know your card number, its CVV and its expiration date).