How to Activate a Credit Card
5 Min Read | Last updated: October 31, 2024
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
A new credit card must be activated before you can use it. Each card issuer might have its own set of activation instructions, but the process is usually quick.
At-A-Glance
- If you get a new credit card, you may have to activate it before you can use it.
- Different card issuers may have different activation steps or require different personal information, but the process is essentially the same.
- Some card issuers offer instant card numbers that allow you to activate your account and start making purchases before your physical card comes in the mail.
So you applied for a credit card. But before you can enjoy exciting rewards and cardholder perks, build credit over time — or simply make a purchase — you may need to activate your new card. But just how do you activate a credit card? And why is activation required in the first place? Let’s find out.
What Is Credit Card Activation?
Credit card activation is the process of making your new credit card ready for use. Cards are delivered to you in a deactivated state to help prevent fraud.1 To begin the activation process, you simply follow your card issuer’s specific instructions, such as calling a number or going to a certain website, and entering any required personal information. After verifying your identity, your card issuer will effectively “turn on” your credit card. You can then begin to make purchases and enjoy any additional cardholder benefits available to you.
How Do You Activate a Credit Card?
The exact steps required to activate a credit card depend on the card issuer. But the process is usually quick and convenient, and typically entails some variation of the following five steps:
- Receive the card. Before you can activate your credit card, you usually have to wait to receive the card in the mail — generally within 7-10 business days of application approval.2 But take note: Some card issuers now offer instant card numbers, enabling you to access your card immediately after you’re approved (more on that later).
- Look for instructions. Most credit cards should come with activation instructions, either printed on a sticker on the front of the card or in a pamphlet that’s mailed with the card. These should clearly outline the activation process.
- Follow the instructions. While the instructions that come with your card will be specific to your card issuer’s activation process, you can usually activate your new credit card online, via mobile app, or by phone. If you’re activating your new card by phone, you may want to call from the phone number associated with your account. This way, when you call, the card issuer has an additional means of identifying you — helping ensure that the new credit card is in the right hands.
Whether activating online, on the credit card company’s mobile app, or by phone, you should be prepared to provide some personal information, such as your new card number, its card security code, and other relevant personal details.
For example, if you’re activating online and you don’t have an account with the card issuer yet, you may need to provide additional personal information such as your name, birthday, and ZIP code. But if you do have an existing account — a bank account or another credit card with the card issuer — you may simply need to log in and enter your new card info, as they likely already have your other important personal information on file.- Security tip: If you choose to activate your new credit card online, avoid using a shared computer or public Wi-Fi. Activating from your personal computer on a secure home network can help keep your personal and card information secure.
You’ll also want to make sure you understand your card’s rewards program (if one is available) and any introductory offer terms.3 - Security tip: If you choose to activate your new credit card online, avoid using a shared computer or public Wi-Fi. Activating from your personal computer on a secure home network can help keep your personal and card information secure.
- Wait for confirmation. If all information is correct and checks out, activation confirmation should happen immediately, and you can start using your card. Online, you should see a message saying your card is ready for use. If you activated your new credit card by phone, you’ll likely hear a confirmation message.
After you’ve received your confirmation, and your card is active, you’ll want to sign the back of your card in the signature box to ensure your card is valid to merchants.3 - Try your new card. You may want to make a purchase after activating your new card, just to be sure everything is in working order. It doesn’t have to be a major expense; a small purchase like a cup of coffee will do. If the transaction goes through, you’re good to go. But if an error occurs — if the card is declined, for example — contact your card issuer to resolve the issue.
What Are Instant Card Numbers?
Some credit card issuers offer instant card numbers that allow you to immediately activate and use your new card before the physical card comes in the mail. Here’s how it works: If your application is approved, and the card offers instant card number access, you’ll usually be able to add your new card to your digital wallet and make purchases right away.
These “virtual” credit cards can be an effective way to get a head start on earning points or other card benefits. Or maybe there’s a flash sale for a big-ticket item on your wishlist, but it will no longer be in effect by the time you receive your physical card. An instant, temporary card number can help you take advantage of that sale.
Instant Card Number by American Express
With Instant Card Number by American Express, eligible Card Members can have access to their credit card number right away. Enjoy it on the go and connect your new card to Apple Pay™, Google Play™, Amazon Pay, Samsung Pay, or PayPal. Plus, it allows you to shop online, earn rewards sooner, and plan a vacation on the spot — instantly, and before you receive your physical Card. It’s fast, flexible, and secure.
If eligible, you can get your Instant Card Number with all Personal and Business American Express Cards. Amazon Business Card and the Amazon Business Prime Card do not apply.
How it works:
- Apply for the American Express Card (online or by speaking with a customer service representative via phone) you want and get your Instant Card Number, if eligible
- Add it to your digital wallet, like Amazon Pay, PayPal, or Apple Pay™
- You’re all set to start shopping online or where digital wallets are accepted
And don’t worry, you’ll still receive your physical Card in the mail. It may take 5-7 business days from account approval for it to arrive. Additionally, your Instant Card Number will be the same number that appears on your physical Card, so you won’t have to update where you have it saved online or in your digital wallet.
Why Do You Have to Activate a Credit Card?
Credit card activation serves two primary purposes:
- Fraud protection: When a new credit card is mailed to you, there’s no guarantee the card will end up in the right person’s hands. Mail can be lost or maybe the recipient recently moved and forgot to update their address. If the new card ends up in the wrong hands, the card will be declined unless it has been activated, and it can’t be activated without your own personal information.
- Receipt confirmation: Activating your credit card is a way for the card issuer to know you’ve received the card. If you allow an extended period to elapse without activating the card, your card issuer may reach out to you with a reminder to activate. If you choose not to activate and never use the credit card, they might close the account.4
How to Activate Your American Express Credit Card
lf you’re looking to activate your new American Express credit card, you can get it done in three easy steps. First, you’ll want to enter your card details to set up your new Card, such as your 15-digit Card number and your 4-digit Card ID. Follow the next steps from there and your card will be activated in no time.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re getting your first credit card or 20th, you’ll have to activate it before you can use it. Activation is usually a quick and convenient process, with specific instructions determined by the card issuer. In most cases, you can call a number or go to a specific website, enter the required identity confirmation information, and be on your way. Some card issuers offer instant card numbers that enable you to activate your account and use your card number before the physical card arrives in the mail.
1 “My new credit card won’t work. What should I do?,” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
2 “How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?,” Experian
3 “10 Things to Do When You Get a New Credit Card,” Experian
4 “What You Should Know About Inactive Credit Card Accounts,” Equifax
Megan Doyle is a business technology writer and researcher whose work focuses on financial services and cross-cultural diversity and inclusion.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
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