You may feel all excited when you receive a new credit card. It's desirable to use it to make purchases and earn rewards. But before you can use your credit card, you must first activate it. Throughout this guide, we will look into activating a brand-new credit card, authorising it for online transactions, and enabling various features, such as tap-to-pay.

How To Activate a New Credit Card Online?

There are several ways to activate a credit card online. The most reliable ones include the following.

Using the Official Bank’s Website

1. Go to the bank’s official website and log in with valid credentials.
2. Look for the option ‘Credit Card Activation and click on it.’
3. Enter the required details, including your credit card number, date of birth, and the expiration date.
4. You may have to put your ATM PIN received with the credit card or generate a new one using OTP sent to your mobile number.

Activating Your Credit Card Through the Mobile Banking App

1. Download the app and log in using the relevant credentials.
2. Select the option ‘Register’, select ‘Activate a Card’, and select ‘Credit Card’.
3. Enter your credit card information.
4. Verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. Create a new user ID and password; your credit card will be activated shortly after.

You can also use this method to set various restrictions on your credit card, and enable tap-to-pay for faster checkouts.

How to Activate a Credit Card Offline?

If you are not tech-savvy and unaware of how to activate a new credit card online, it can also be activated offline via SMS.

Activate via SMS

1. Activating your credit card through SMS is possible, but checking with your bank to see if this option is available is essential.
2. You need to send a predefined SMS to a specific number, and the SMS may ask for the card information, such as the last four digits of the credit card or ATM PIN.
3. Once the message is sent, you will receive a response from the number confirming your credit card activation.

Customer Care Service

You can contact the customer care team or visit the nearest branch, and the bank representatives will guide you on activating the card.

How Long Does It Take to Activate a Credit Card?

The time it takes to activate a credit card may vary depending on the bank and the activation method you selected. For example, some banks allow you to start your card instantly, while others may take a few days to process the request.

Conclusion

Activating a new credit card is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. If you're wondering what the digits on your credit card mean, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W1pvtB1hbBw

Meanwhile, you can also check out Fi and the various advantages they offer with their credit card services. Not only do you get better cashback (5% for every purchase), but also numerous offers to save more on your shopping sprees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I activate my Visa credit card?

Several options are available to activate your Visa credit cards, such as online activation, phone activation, ATM activation, and SMS activation. You may choose the method most feasible for you.

2. Can I activate my credit card offline?

Yes, you can activate your credit card offline as well as most banks offer the option to activate a credit card through phone or by visiting the branch in person.

3. Is changing the default PIN set up by the bank mandatory?

No, the customer doesn't need to change the PIN for the credit card. But it is recommended to change the PIN for better security, and it is easy for you to remember a PIN set by you.

4. Why does my new credit card not work?

Typically, a new card comes deactivated for security purposes; you must activate the credit card online or offline. You can read the instructions with the credit card or follow the process mentioned above.