Congratulations, you just got a brand new Chase credit card and are excited to start using it. But not too fast! The very first thing you have to do after receiving your card is to verify its receipt and activate it. This can be done in 1 simple step, either by phone or online.
In this post, we’ll show you how to activate your Chase credit card and offer some tips on the next steps you’ll want to take to get the most value from your new card.
How To Activate Your Chase Credit Card
Once your credit card application is approved, you should receive the physical card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When you get your card, you’ll need to verify that you received it, which, in turn, activates the card. You can confirm receipt and activate your card quickly and easily by telephone or online.
To activate your Chase credit card by phone, call the number that’s on the sticker on your new card. Alternatively, you can call Chase customer service at 800-432-3117.
To activate your Chase credit card online, click here. This URL should also be listed on the sticker that’s on your new card.
Be sure to read the credit card agreement that comes with your new card so that you’re up to date on things like your card’s perks, rewards, and interest rates. There will also be information to help you set up an online account if you don’t have one.
You’ll be able to start using your new card immediately after verifying receiving it and activating it.
What Happens if You Don’t Activate Your Credit Card?
Your account is still open, even if you don’t activate your new card. While this isn’t necessarily a problem, the credit limit that you were approved for will still be considered when calculating your credit score. In addition, the hard pull for the credit card will still be on your credit report. These have the potential to negatively affect your credit score.
It’s always a good idea to check your credit score and know how it works before opening up additional lines of credit. As a Chase customer, you’ll have access to Chase Credit Journey, a free service that lets you keep track of your credit score.
In addition, if your credit card has an annual fee, you will still be charged that fee regardless of whether or not you activate the card.
What To Do After Activating Your Chase Credit Card
Activating your new credit card is the first thing you’ll want to do once you receive it in the mail, but don’t stop there. There are a few other things you’ll want to do once you receive your new card.
First, make sure you understand the welcome bonus and how to earn it. There are many ways to meet minimum spending requirements to earn your bonus.
Next, ensure you know all the benefits and perks offered on your new card. We love making things easy for you, so we’ve created these guides for some of the most popular Chase credit cards so you can quickly see the benefits your new card offers:
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- United℠ Explorer Card
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Finally, don’t forget to check your Chase Offers. These are deals that you can quickly and easily add to your Chase credit card, giving you additional discounts at some of your favorite stores.
Bottom Line: To activate your Chase credit card, call the number on the sticker on your card (or 800-432-3117), or you can activate your card online.
How To Activate a Chase Debit/ATM Card
There are 2 easy ways to activate your new Chase debit/ATM card:
- Call Chase at 800-290-3935
- Complete a transaction at a Chase ATM location using your PIN
Final Thoughts
Activating your new Chase credit card is the first step toward getting tons of value from your new card. After verifying that you received the card and activating it, you’ll also want to learn about your card’s welcome bonus as well as all of the benefits and perks that are available. Doing this ensures you’ll get great value from your new Chase credit card.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding The World of Hyatt Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
