Opening the letter containing your Chase credit card feels like Christmas morning. That 3.3” x 2.1” piece of plastic gives you a feeling of power – Purchasing Power!
However, like Uncle Ben said to Peter Parker, “With great power comes great responsibility.” The first responsible act that you must do is to activate your Chase credit card.
Chase requires the credit card to go through an activation process to confirm it’s in the hands of the right cardholder. For this reason, you can’t use your card until it’s activated.
Likewise, not activating your Chase card can affect your credit score.
The good news is that activating your Chase credit card is a quick and easy process. Follow the steps on how to activate your new Chase credit card, and you’ll soon be out the door to make your first purchase!
How to Activate Your Chase Credit Card
You can activate your Chase credit card online or by calling the number on the sticker.
- To activate your credit card online, go to the Chase Card verification web page, and log into your Account. Click “My Account,” go to the card you want to activate, and click the activation button.
- If you prefer to activate by phone, call the number on the card’s sticker. You can also call Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117. Chase offers 24-hour customer service.
How to Activate Your Chase Credit Card Online
You can activate your Chase credit card online by logging into your account with a PC or using the app on your mobile phone.
💡 Note: You can’t activate your card online without a Chase account. Don’t worry; we have you covered! We’ve also prepared a guide on how to open a Chase account below.
How to Activate Your Chase Credit Card with a PC
Follow the steps below to activate your credit card online with a PC.
- Go to the Chase Card verification web page.
- Log into your Account.
- Click “My Account.”
- Go to the Chase card you want to activate.
- Click the Activation button.
- Sign the back of your card.
How to Activate Your Chase Credit Card on the App
Follow the steps below to activate your credit card on the Chase app.
1. Open the Chase app.
2. Log into your Account.
3. Tap “My Account.”
4. Tap “Credit Card.”
5. Select the Credit Card you want to activate.
6. Tap “Activate Your Card.”
7. Enter your Credit Card credentials:
- Card number
- Full name
- Social Security Number (SSN)
8. Review and Confirm your Credit Card details.
9. Tap the “Activate”
10. Sign the back of your card.
💡 Note: Click this link to inform Chase that you received your credit card.
How to Open a Chase Account
Follow the steps below to open a Chase account. If you already have a Chase account, skip this section.
1. Go to the Chase Card verification web page.
2. Click “Not enrolled? Sign up now.”
3. Enter the following information:
- New credit card number
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Billing address
- Email address
4. Click “Save.”
How to Activate Your Chase Credit Card by Phone
Your Chase credit card has a sticker on the front side. The sticker contains the number you need to call to activate your card. Don’t remove the sticker until your card is activated.
Alternatively, you can call Chase customer service at 1-800-432-3117. Chase offers 24-hour customer service.
You’ll be asked to provide the following information to verify your identity:
- Full name
- Birth date
- The number of your new credit card
- The last four digits of the new credit card
- SSN or TIN
- Billing address
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
The final step of the verification process is for the representative to ask you a few personal questions. Because these questions are personal in nature, it’s assumed that only you know the answers.
You might have encountered these questions when applying for your Chase card:
- Your mother’s maiden name
- The name of the street you grew up in
- The name of your favorite sports team
After verification, the representative will inform you if your card has been activated. Sign the back of your card immediately after you hang up the phone.
What Will Happen to Your Credit Score if You Don’t Activate Your Chase Credit Card?
When you applied for your Chase credit card, a hard inquiry was initiated, lowering your credit score by an estimated five points. Hard inquiries account for 10% of your FICO credit score, but it can rebound within a month.
If your Chase credit card carries an annual fee, you’ll be charged for the fee whether the card is activated or not. If the annual fee remains unpaid, it will be viewed as a missed payment and will reflect on your payment history.
Your payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score. It is the component that most influences your credit score.
Don’t take chances with your credit score. Activate your Chase credit card immediately.
How to Check if Your Chase Credit Card is Activated
You’ll know your credit card is activated when you receive a notification from the issuer. The notification is sent by email or text message after the activation process.
If you haven’t received the notification in your inbox or mobile phone, you can check if your Chase card is activated through the following ways:
- Call Customer Service: Use the number on your card or call 1-800-432-3117. Inform the representative that you completed the activation process and want to confirm if the card has been activated. Be ready to go through the verification process again.
- Buy Something: Go to a nearby store and buy something. If your card is declined, it’s not activated.
- Check Your Credit Report: Credit card issuers report monthly to the major credit bureaus. The report will show if your card is inactive.
When you receive your Chase credit card, activate it immediately. Don’t put off the activation process for another day.
That day might turn into weeks and the weeks into months. By then, the issuer might cancel or suspend your card due to inactivity.
It’s also good to know that your card has been activated. Having your card declined at the cashier can be awkward.
How to Activate Your Chase Freedom Flex Rewards
Chase Freedom Flex rewards are bonuses that allow you to earn extra points through qualifying purchases. The rewards are grouped into categories that change every three months. For example, rewards could be earned from gasoline and grocery purchases.
After accumulating a certain number of points, you can redeem them as cashback, gift cards, or travel perks.
There are four ways of activating your Chase Freedom Flex Rewards:
- You can activate your Chase Freedom Flex rewards at the Chase Activation Bonus Page. Register for the bonus that’s listed on the Chase Freedom Cashback Calendar.
- You can also log into your Chase Account and sign up for an email reminder to activate your bonus categories.
- Call customer service at 1-800-432-3117.
- Visit a Chase location and request assistance from a personal banker.
💡 Note: Chase Flex Freedom Flex Rewards categories must be activated quarterly.
What are the Benefits of Owning a Chase Credit Card?
Forbes Advisor rated the Chase Freedom Flex credit card five out of five stars and named it the “Best Rotating Category Cash-Back Credit Card” in 2024. CNBC also named the Chase Freedom Flex credit card 2024’s “Best Cash-Back Credit Card.”
These are the benefits of owning a Chase credit card:
- Earn 5% cash-back on total purchases amounting to $1,500, covering a period of three months.
- Cash-back rewards have no expiration date as long as your Chase account is open.
- Chase Zero Liability Protection assures you aren’t responsible for unauthorized charges.
- New purchases are covered against damage and theft for up to 120 days. Purchase protection per claim is $500 and $50,000 per account.
- 3-year warranties offered by manufacturers can be extended by another year.
- Automobile Insurance against collision and theft.
- Travel plans canceled due to illness and weather conditions can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
- Access to Travel and Emergency assistance services.
Review the terms and conditions of your Cardmember Agreement before using your Chase credit card.
Summary
Activate your Chase credit card before using it. You can activate your Chase card by logging into your Account online or calling 1-800-432-3117. Chase phone lines are open for 24 hours. customer service.
Call customer service if you haven’t received a notification from Chase that your card has been activated. Notifications can be sent by email or text message.
