How to activate a Chase credit card

You need to activate your Chase card before you can use it. The process is simple and can be done online or by calling Chase. The activation process may take up to a few minutes, but once activated, you can use your credit card right away.

How to activate Chase card online

You can activate your Chase card online if you’d rather not be stuck on the phone. Follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the Chase Verify webpage.
2. Enter your login details or sign up if you’re a first-time Chase cardholder.
3. To sign up, you’ll need your Social Security number and your card, account or application number.
4. Once you log in, navigate to My accounts.
5. Select your new card and click the activation button.

How to activate Chase card by phone

If you prefer getting things done by phone, make sure you have your Social Security number, your credit card number and your security questions ready. Once you have all the information you need, here’s how to activate your card by phone:

1. Call 800-432-3117 for personal cards or 888-269-8690 for business cards.
2. Enter the last four credit card digits
3. Follow the prompts to activate the card.

How do I know if my Chase card is activated?

Log in to your online account and navigate to My accounts. Your new card information should be available from there.

How to get the best value with your Chase credit card

Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Sapphire cards are part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. This means that even though some of the cards are marketed as cashback cards you actually earn points. If you already have one of these cards, consider getting another within the program and transfer your points between cards to maximize your rewards.

For example, the two Chase Freedom Flex℠ cards are excellent opinions for earning rewards on everyday purchases. But if you transfer your points to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, and you redeem for travel purchases via the Chase Ultimate Rewards program — you get 25% and 50%, respectively, higher value for your points. This can effectively turn your Chase Freedom Flex℠ 5% cash back on rotating categories into 7.5% back.

In the table below, you’ll find the most popular combination of three Chase credit cards, known as the Chase trifecta.

	Chase Freedom Flex℠	Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards rate	5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on rotating categories, 1% after that 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2022 3% cash back at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery 3% cash back at drugstores 1% cash back on all other purchases	Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2022	2x points on travel and dining purchases 5x points on lyft rides until March 2022 1x points on all other purchases
Signup bonus	$200 cash back bonus when you spend $500 in your first 3 months of card membership plus 5% cash back at grocery stores on up to $12,000 in the first year	$200 cash back bonus when you spend $500 in your first 3 months of card membership plus 5% cash back at grocery stores on up to $12,000 in the first year	60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in your first 3 months of card membership
Annual fee	$0	$0	$95

Compare other Chase credit cards

Of course, you’re not limited to Freedom or Sapphire cards to maximize rewards. You can always get another card that gives perks and benefits that your current card lacks.

For example, if your current card earns flat rewards on all purchases, or if it’s a hotel card, you can apply for another card with accelerated rewards on groceries, gas or any other category where you spend most.

Bottom line

Activating your Chase credit card is easy — you can do it by phone or online. But now that you have a Chase credit card, you can always consider adding a great alternative credit card to your wallet, which can get you additional perks or expand your credit limit.