The easiest way you can activate your Capital One credit card is online, through either their website or their mobile app. Alternately, you can activate your credit card by calling customer service at the phone number on the back of your card.
Here’s how to get Capital One to activate your card online:
Website: If you prefer to activate your credit card online, just go to Capital One’s activation page and log in (create an account, if necessary). Then, enter the 3-digit security code on the back of the card when prompted.
Mobile app: To activate your card through the mobile app, sign in with the same information as your online account. Tap your profile, then “Account Settings,” then “Activate Credit Card.” Enter the 3-digit security code when prompted to activate the card. The card will be available to use for purchases immediately after.
This answer was first published on 04/08/22 and it was last updated on 02/12/24. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
Calling to activate a Capital One card is probably the better option if you’re in a hurry because activating your card online requires creating an account first. But both aren’t too hard to do and don’t take all that much time. You can also find the instructions in the letter where you got your Capital One credit card or on the sticker attached to your credit card when you first get it.
This answer was first published on 05/13/18 and it was last updated on 06/03/19. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
Yes, Capital One does give instant card numbers upon approval, but not everyone is eligible for this feature. To check if you’re eligible, download the Capital One mobile app and check for your card details under the “Your Card Number” section. If you aren’t seeing this option, you would have to wait for your physical card before you can use it.
What you should know about the Capital One instant card numbers:
You might be able to use your Capital One credit card before it arrives by using the “View Card Number” feature on the Capital One website or mobile app. However, not everyone is eligible for this feature, so instant use is not guaranteed. If you can’t find your new card information on your account, call Capital One credit card customer service for assistance.
Here’s how to use a Capital One credit card before it arrives:
It generally takes around 7 to 10 business days for a new Capital One credit card to arrive, although sometimes it can take less than that. Just note that there is no way to request expedited shipping for new cards. To get a replacement card, on the other hand, takes 4-6 business days. Plus, if you pay for expedited delivery, it will only take 2-3 business days.
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