How to Activate Credit Card: Step-by-Step Guide

One of the key observations regarding activating credit cards is that the process of activation process varies from bank to bank. It is not uniform for every credit card. Therefore, you must comply with the card-specific guidelines that you have when you obtain your credit card. Some banks may ask you to activate your card online, but some may ask you to go to an ATM and have the card activated by swiping the card’s magnetic strip.

Here, we have explained the general steps of activating a credit card through online and offline processes. Keep reading to learn everything!

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How to Activate Your Credit Card Online

You can activate your credit card online using either Internet Banking (Netbanking) or the bank’s mobile app. Follow the steps below according to the method you choose.

1. Activate via Internet Banking

1. Visit the bank’s official website and log in.
   Use your existing Netbanking credentials (user ID/password) to access your account.
2. Select “Credit Card Activation.”
   Once logged in, look for the menu option labeled “Credit Card” or “Cards,” and then click on “Credit Card Activation.”
3. Fill in the required details.
   Typically, you must enter:
   • Your credit card number
   • Your date of birth (as registered with the bank)
   • Card expiry date
4. Set or verify your PIN (if prompted).
   In some cases, the bank may ask you to enter your ATM PIN or create a new PIN for your credit card. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this step.
5. Verify via OTP.
   An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to confirm your identity and finalize the activation.
6. Confirmation.
   After successful verification, you will see an on-screen message stating that your card has been activated. You may also receive an SMS or email confirmation.

Note: Activation via mobile app is very similar to Netbanking. Simply download the bank’s official mobile app, log in, and look for the “Activate Card” option under the “Card Services” or “Register” section.

2. Activate via Mobile App

1. Download and install the bank’s official app.
   Search for your bank’s name on Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and install the app.
2. Log in and navigate to “Activate Card.”
   Open the app, enter your login credentials, and find the “Register” or “Card Services” menu. Select “Activate a Card” and then choose “Credit Card.”
3. Enter your credit card details.
   You will be asked to provide:
   • Credit card number
   • Card expiry date
   • CVV (if required by the bank)
4. Verify the OTP.
   An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter that OTP to proceed.
5. Create a new User ID & Password (if prompted).
   Some banks might ask you to create a separate User ID and Password for mobile banking. Complete this if necessary.
6. Card Activation Confirmation.
   Once OTP verification (and any other prompts) are done, your card will be activated. You will receive confirmation on the app, and usually via SMS or email.

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How to Activate Your Credit Card Offline

If you don’t feel comfortable with online banking or if your credit card can only be activated offline, you have two main options: customer care service or SMS-based activation.

1. Via Customer Care Service

1. Visit your nearest bank branch.
   Bring a valid form of identification (such as your Aadhaar card or PAN card) and your new credit card.
2. Speak to a customer service executive.
   Tell the executive that you would like to activate your credit card. They will guide you through the necessary steps, which may include signing an activation form or swiping the card at a branch ATM machine.
3. Activate by phone (optional).
   If you prefer, you can call your bank’s customer care number (available on the bank’s official website). Follow the IVR prompts or speak to an executive to activate your card over the phone. You will likely be asked to confirm your identity by providing details such as your credit card number, date of birth, and the CVV printed on the back of the card.
4. Confirmation.
   Once the bank verifies your information, they will confirm that your card is activated. You may receive an SMS or email confirmation.

2. Activate via SMS

1. Check if your bank offers SMS activation.
   Not all banks provide this option, so confirm by visiting the bank’s website or calling customer care.
2. Send the predefined SMS.
   Your bank will provide a specific format (for example, “ACTIVATE LAST 4 DIGITS OF CARD” or “ACTIVATE YOUR ATM PIN”) to a designated number. This information is usually included in the welcome kit or on the bank’s website.
3. Receive confirmation.
   Once the bank processes your request, you will immediately get an SMS confirming that your credit card has been activated.

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Summing Up

A credit card is a do-all for shopping, traveling, gas, or even going to the movies. It is a great resource to finance your short-term needs without carrying a lot of cash. Whether you are comfortable with online activation or the usual way of customer care and SMS, make sure to refer to your bank’s card-specific guidelines. By following these steps, your credit card will be activated quickly and securely.

We hope this blog taught you how to easily activate your credit card in online and offline modes.

Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes. The information provided here is not recommendatory. Always follow your bank’s specific instructions and consult customer care for any doubts.