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As soon as your card arrives in your mail, your next step is to activate it. All card providers offer two ways of doing that, either online or by phone. But a rising number of card providers offer a third way — via the card provider’s mobile app.
The card activation process is generally the same across all providers. Here’s how it works:
TIP: If you’re activating your card by phone, call from the number you assigned in your card application to speed things up. Otherwise, you may need to provide additional information to verify you are the real cardholder.
Some card providers let you activate your card with the provider’s mobile app. In this case, the process is similar to activating your card online.
| Bank | Activation phone number | Activation website | Activation available on mobile app? | Guide to activating cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex | 800-869-3016 | American Express |  | |
| Bank of America | 800-276-9939 | Bank of America | | |
| Capital One | 800-227-4825 | Capital One | | |
| Chase | 800-432-3117 | Chase | | |
| Citi | 800-950-5114 | Citibank | | |
| Discover | 800-347-2683 | Discover | | |
| U.S. bank | 800-285-8585 | US Bank | | |
| USAA | 210-531-8722 | USAA | | |
| Barclaycard | 888-710-8756 | Barclays | | |
| HSBC | 800-975-4722 | HSBC | | |
| Luxury card | 877-408-8866 | Luxury card | | |
| PenFed | 877-856-9690 | PenFed | | |
| TD Bank | 888-553-4122 | TD Bank | | |
| Wells Fargo | 800-642-4720 | Wells Fargo | |
To activate your credit card, you’ll need your:
If you don’t activate your card, your account will likely be open but you and your authorized users won’t be able to make any purchases. Also, if you don’t activate your card, you risk compromising your card’s security.
There are two main ways to activate your card — by phone and online. Some card providers may also let you activate your card via their mobile app. Whichever method you choose, the process is fast and simple.
But now that your credit card is active, consider applying for an additional credit card to increase your credit limit, get additional perks and to get a chance to earn a new signup bonus.
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We asked 7 financial experts what credit card they have in their wallet right now. Here’s the skinny.
