Loans
Cards
Insurance
Investment
Stock Market
Electronics Mall
CIBIL Score
Knowledge Centre
Calculators
Do not call
En
Your new credit card is useless until you activate it. Learn the quick, secure ways to complete the mandatory setup.
Card activation is not optional; it is mandatory before first use. It is a critical security step required by the bank or your lender. Below, we will go in detail and understand how to activate a credit card using both instant online methods and traditional offline channels. You can use internet banking, the bank's mobile app, or a simple ATM visit. Activating your card immediately unlocks your purchasing power and rewards.
Activation ensures your card is securely linked to your account and authorised for use. This process validates ownership and enables key features like PIN setup and online transactions. It’s a quick, mandatory step to protect your card against misuse.
When you receive a new credit card, it remains inactive until you activate it. Activation is the process of confirming your ownership and enabling its use for transactions. It ensures your card is protected from fraud before it reaches your hands.
You must know how to activate credit cards because banks issue inactive cards for safety. Until you activate it, you can’t make purchases, withdraw cash, or enable online payments. Activation also allows you to set or change your credit card PIN, link the card to your registered mobile number, and authorise international transactions.
Online activation is the quickest and most secure way to start using your card. It allows you to activate credit cards from anywhere, at any time. All major banks provide robust digital platforms for card management. You need a stable internet connection and access to your registered mobile.
Internet banking offers comprehensive control over your new card.
Log into your bank's official internet banking portal
Navigate to the 'Cards' or 'Credit Card Services' menu
Look for the 'Card Activation' or 'Generate PIN' option
Enter your new card number and the Expiry Date displayed on the card
Validate the request using the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile
Set your desired four-digit credit card pin
Mobile apps offer activate your card convenience right on your phone
Open the bank's official Mobile App. Ensure the app is the latest version
Log in securely using your User ID and password or biometric login
Find the 'Credit Card' or 'Manage Services' section
Select the card number that needs activation
Follow the prompts to complete activation and create your secure credit card pin
Dedicated portals allow quick, focused card activation.
Visit the bank’s official Credit Card Customer Portal or dedicated activation page
Enter mandatory details like your card number, Date of Birth, and registered mobile number
The bank sends an OTP to your phone. Enter this to verify your identity
You can then set your initial credit card pin
Disclaimer - The exact steps may vary slightly with the lender.
Offline channels are reliable alternatives for activating your credit card. They are ideal if you face internet connectivity issues or prefer traditional interactions. You still need your registered mobile for OTP validation in most offline methods.
Using an ATM is one of the easiest ways to activate your credit card and set the PIN.
Insert your new credit card into any bank ATM linked to the card network
Select the 'PIN Generation' or 'PIN Change' option
You will be prompted to enter an OTP which you will receive on your registered mobile number
Enter the OTP correctly and then set your new credit card pin
Try a small test transaction to confirm that your credit card is successfully activated
Calling the bank provides direct, guided activation support.
Dial the official customer service or IVR number provided in your welcome kit
Select the option for 'Credit Card Services' or 'Activation'
The system will ask for your card number and other identifying details
A representative or the automated system will guide you to activate the credit card after verifying the OTP sent to your registered mobile
Visiting a physical branch offers personalised assistance.
Carry your physical credit card and official identity proof to your nearest branch
Inform the bank representative you wish to activate your card
They will verify your identity and help you complete the activation formalities
The representative will also assist in generating your initial credit card pin securely
This is a good option for first-time cardholders.
During the credit card activation process, you will be prompted to create a credit card PIN. This 4-digit number secures all your transactions. You can generate or reset it online through internet banking or mobile app, or offline at an ATM.
To generate your credit card PIN online, log in to your account, select “Generate/Change PIN,” and authenticate via OTP. For ATM generation, insert your card, verify with OTP, and set a new PIN.
If you forget your PIN, you can reset it using the same steps.
Sometimes, small issues can interrupt credit card activation. Knowing the common problems and fixes saves you time. Do not panic if you face a minor hurdle.
| Common Activation Issue | Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
Invalid OTP Error |
OTP expired or was not the most recent one received. |
Request a new OTP immediately. Check network coverage for your registered mobile. |
Card Not Recognised |
Typo in the card number or details provided to the bank. |
Re-enter your card number and Expiry Date with extreme care. |
Activation Link Expired |
You waited too long to click the link from the bank's email/SMS. |
Call the bank's customer care to request a fresh activation link. |
Cannot Perform Transactions |
Features like international transactions or online contactless usage are often disabled by default. |
Log into internet banking or the app and manually enable these controls. |
No PIN Generation Option |
Some banks require a specific ATM or IVR step to set the credit card pin. |
Try the ATM method specifically to ensure you can activate credit usage securely. |
If issues persist, contact your card issuer's official customer support line.
Security is the top priority when you activate your card. Following these simple rules ensures a safe process. Knowing how to activate credit cards securely protects your financial data.
Use Bank's Official Portal: Only use the bank’s verified website, official app, or known ATM. Never use a search result link you cannot verify.
Protect Your Credentials: Banks will never call you and ask for your OTP or credit card pin. Never share these security details with anyone.
Secure Your Connection: Complete all online activation steps using a private, secure network. Avoid using open public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Verify Physical Card: Check that your name, signature panel, and card number are correct before activation.
Set Card Controls: After activation, immediately use internet banking to set transaction limits. Configure features like international transactions and online contactless payments as needed.
Be vigilant during the entire process.
Now that you know how to activate a credit card, you can enable your card instantly using online or offline methods. Whether through internet banking, a mobile app, or an ATM, activation takes only a few minutes.
Always use official bank channels and secure networks. Once you activate your card, you can enjoy seamless transactions, both domestic and international, with full security.
No. For security reasons, banks don’t automatically activate new cards. You must complete the activation process yourself through internet banking, mobile app, ATM, etc after receiving the card.
Yes. Every new card must be activated before use. Activation verifies ownership and allows you to set your credit card PIN securely.
You will receive an SMS or email confirmation on your registered contact details after successful activation. You can also check your card status in your online banking portal.
Yes. You can easily activate your card online using internet banking or your bank’s official mobile app.
Use online methods like net banking, the bank’s mobile app, or ATM services for activation. These options let you activate credit cards without contacting customer care.
After completing your activation process, log in to internet banking and enable online or e-commerce usage under card settings. Confirm using OTP.
Visit your bank’s online portal or app. Go to “Manage Card” and toggle “Enable international transactions.” Verify with OTP on your registered mobile.
You can activate your card online via your bank’s website, app or offline at an ATM. Follow the on-screen steps and confirm using OTP. Read the welcome kit to see if your lender supports activation on call or SMS as well.
Yes. Activation is mandatory for security. Until you activate your credit card and set your pin, you cannot make payments.
Most banks recommend activation within 30-45 days. Check your welcome kit or bank email for the exact period.
Yes, definitely. Visit your bank’s website or use its mobile app to complete the activation process safely.
You will need your credit card number, expiry date, CVV, and access to your registered mobile for OTP verification. Other than the OTP, all other information is on your credit card itself.
Retry after some time or switch to another method. If the issue persists, contact customer care or visit the branch for help.
Yes. Once you have successfully activated it and set your credit card PIN, your card is ready for transactions, including online contactless payments.
Log in to your internet banking account or mobile app and follow the steps to activate your card securely from home.
Yes. Download your bank’s app and sign in. Then navigate to ‘My Cards’ ‘Manage My Cards’ to find and select your card that needs to be activated. Follow the prompts and enter the information required like CVV, OTP, etc. and complete the activation.
Typically, you should activate it within 30 days of receiving it. Some banks/lenders offer up to 45 days, so confirm from your issuer. Also, read the welcome kit sent to you with the card to know all the terms and conditions.
Open your bank’s app, log in, and go to “Card Services.” Choose “Activate Card,” enter details, and verify with OTP to activate your card.
If you have received your credit card, use internet banking or an ATM to activate it.
Personal Loan, Business Loan, Collateral
Credit Score, Report & Analysis
Fixed Deposit, Mutual Fund, NPS, Demat A/C, SGB
General Insurance, Life Insurance, Term Insurance
Stocks, IPOs
Smart Phone, Speaker, EarPhone
Academy 
