How do I activate a credit card?

Key takeaways

• Activating your new credit card is essential before you can start using it

• For activation, you will need your card number and you may also be asked for your date of birth and other personal details to verify your identity

• You can activate your card online, mobile app, over the phone or chip and pin at a cash machine.

• Generally, you have up to two months to activate your new credit card but this depends on the provider

Receiving a new credit card can feel like a step towards financial flexibility. But before you can start using it, there's an important step you must take: activation. This guide will walk you through the process of activating your new credit card, ensuring you can use it safely and securely.

How do I activate my credit card?

You can activate your credit card online, by phone, through your mobile banking app, or at a cash machine, and you’ll usually need your card number and personal details ready.

• Online banking. Log into your existing account with the provider and look for the activation prompts. If you don't have an online account, you'll need to set one up, which usually involves providing some personal information and creating login credentials

• Mobile banking app. Log in and follow the activation instructions. If it’s unclear, there is often an in-app chat facility that can direct you

• Phone call to your provider. Have the card information to hand and an automated phone service process will take a few minutes to get it activated

• At a cash machine. Just follow the details on the ATM screen. Note that while you might want to use the ATM to activate your card, withdrawing funds at the same time may incur fees and immediate interest charges.

Contactless payments require an additional step. To use your credit card to make contactless payments you need to enter your PIN in a card reader or ATM. This initial step is necessary to activate the contactless feature on your card, ensuring secure transactions in stores.

Only activate using official channels from your bank or card provider. Be cautious of unsolicited texts, emails or phone calls asking for activation details.

If your card is replacing an existing credit card, the older card may stop working automatically once the new one is activated.

Will activation instructions be provided when I’m approved for a credit card?

Yes, to help you get started with your new card, activation instructions are usually on a sticker attached to the card, in the welcome letter or email, in the banking app or provided through an online banking notification.

Where do I get my credit card PIN?

Your credit card PIN (personal identification number) is usually provided separately from your card for security reasons.

Depending on your provider, you may receive your PIN:

• By post in a separate letter after your card arrives

• In your banking app or online banking account, where you may be able to view it securely

• By requesting it from your provider if you haven’t received or forgotten it

If you can’t find your PIN, contact your provider through their app, website or customer service line rather than guessing, as repeated incorrect attempts could temporarily block the card.

Can I activate a credit card without online banking?

Yes, you can usually activate a credit card without online banking. Most providers offer alternative activation methods, such as by phone, using an automated activation line, or at a cash machine.

You’ll typically just need your card details and some personal information to verify your identity. If none of these options are available or working, your provider can complete activation manually over the phone.

Can I activate a credit card from abroad?

In most cases you can activate a credit card from abroad, as long as you can access your provider’s activation methods.

However, availability can vary by provider, and some may require activation to be completed from within the UK for security reasons.

If you’re overseas and unable to activate your card, contact your provider using the number on the back of the card or through secure in-app messaging to check your options.

Can I use a credit card before it’s activated?

No, you can’t use your credit card if you haven’t activated it. This is a common question among new cardholders. The answer is straightforward: a credit card must be activated before use as a security measure.

This ensures the person using the card is the cardholder. Even though the credit card account is open, the physical card requires activation to initiate transactions.

How will I know if my credit card is activated?

The bank will confirm activation on screen, in-app, or verbally by phone, depending on the activation route.

Setup is usually simple and swift with no issues, but if you're unsure whether your card is ready for use, you can always contact your provider or check your online banking.

You’ll also know if your credit card isn’t activated if it is declined when you try to use it.

How soon do I need to activate a new credit card?

Generally, you should activate your new credit card as soon as possible after it arrives. Some issuers may allow several weeks or even a couple of months, but the deadline varies by provider.

Remember to sign the back of your card as well, as this is an important security feature.

What should I do if my card won’t activate?

In the unlikely case of your car not activating, you should contact your provider asap through the official app or by calling the number on the card.

Possible causes of inactivation include incorrectly entering your personal details, a security check because of suspicious activity or a damaged card.

Sometimes the cardholder has already activated the card by making a chip and PIN purchase.

Kara Gammell
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert

Our expert says

“Activating a credit card is usually made straightforward by the provider, but if it’s the first card you’ve ever had, it’s understandable you’d have questions.

"Activating your card means you’re clear to start spending, but while researching here, it’s also worth gaining a more thorough understanding of how credit cards work. We’ve lots of guides to help and it will allow you to make the most of your credit card and also avoid any expensive pitfalls.”

Other useful guides

It’s helpful to understand that your credit card functions go beyond just activation and spending. There are several aspects of credit card use and protection that are essential to know. For further reading, consider these guides:

• How Section 75 protects your credit card purchases

• Credit card charges explained

• What is a credit card minimum payment?

Compare credit cards with MoneySuperMarket

If you're in the market for a new credit card, MoneySuperMarket offers a comparison service that tailors to your personal details and intended use. You can compare deals by APR and rewards, and the service even shows the likelihood of acceptance without affecting your credit rating.

MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker – this means we’ll show you products offered by lenders. We never take a fee from customers for this broking service. Instead, we are usually paid a fee by the lenders – though the size of that payment doesn’t affect how we show products to customers.