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.

Getting started with your Chase credit card

Now that you have activated your Chase credit card, you’ll want to know how to optimize your card use so you can get the highest value out of it.

1. Download the mobile app. Downloading the Chase mobile app helps you track your rewards, monitor your accounts, make payments or activate Chase Offers.
2. Set up digital wallets. Simplify your online and in-store purchases using your smartphone or a smartwatch. To use it, you need to set up a digital wallet.
3. Enroll in online banking. Enroll in Chase online banking to control your finances, monitor your account, redeem rewards and more. To enroll, you need to provide your personal information such as your SSN or tax ID, your bank account and your mobile phone number.
4. Set up a PIN. If you didn’t get a personal identification number (PIN) with your card or if you want to reset your old one — call 800-297-4970. Follow the automated instructions to set it up. You need a PIN for ATM cash withdrawals and credit card purchases abroad.
5. Set up autopay. Access your Chase online account or your mobile app and select the card you want. Select Set up next to automated payments. Chose the amount you wish to pay each month and from which account you wish to pay.
6. Maximize rewards. The Chase Freedom 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. Check out our guide on how to earn Chase points, on how to redeem your Chase points and even how to transfer your points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners.

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.