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 to get the best value with your Chase credit card

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. If you got one of these cards and you activated it, you’ll want to know how to maximize your rewards.

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.

To get the highest value out of your Chase Ultimate Rewards card, consider combining three cards in what is known as the Chase trifecta.

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.