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How-To Guide

How to Activate Credit Card - Complete Guide 2025

Learn 4 easy ways to activate your credit card in minutes - app, phone, SMS, or online

Why Do You Need to Activate Your Credit Card?

Credit card activation is a mandatory security step before you can use your new card. Activation confirms that you've received the card and are authorizing its use. Without activation, your card remains locked and unusable for transactions.

Use for purchases
Build credit score
Unlock rewards
Access benefits

4 Ways to Activate Your Credit Card

Via Mobile App (Fastest)

⏱️ Takes 2-3 minutes

  1. 1.Download your bank's mobile app
  2. 2.Log in with your internet banking credentials
  3. 3.Navigate to 'Credit Card' or 'Cards' section
  4. 4.Select your new card and click 'Activate'
  5. 5.Enter your card's CVV and expiry date
  6. 6.Confirm activation via OTP

Via Phone Call

⏱️ Takes 5 minutes

  1. 1.Call your bank's credit card helpline
  2. 2.Provide card number and personal details
  3. 3.Answer security questions for verification
  4. 4.Confirm activation with the representative
  5. 5.Activation done - you'll receive confirmation

Via Online Portal

⏱️ Takes 3-4 minutes

  1. 1.Visit your bank's internet banking website
  2. 2.Log in with your username and password
  3. 3.Click on 'Card Services' or 'Manage Cards'
  4. 4.Select your new card from the list
  5. 5.Enter card details and activate

Bank-Specific Activation Guides

SBI Credit Card

📱 App: YONO App

📞 Helpline: 1800-112-211

Learn More →

HDFC Bank Credit Card

📱 App: HDFC Mobile App

📞 Helpline: 1860-210-2020

Learn More →

Axis Bank Credit Card

📱 App: Axis Mobile App

📞 Helpline: 1860-500-8000

Learn More →

ICICI Bank Credit Card

📱 App: iMobile App

📞 Helpline: 1860-889-2010

Learn More →

Common Activation Questions

Can I activate my credit card via SMS?

Most banks don't offer SMS activation anymore for security reasons. Use mobile app, phone call, or online portal instead.

How long does credit card activation take?

Immediate if done via app or phone (2-5 minutes). Processing may take 24 hours for online portal activations.

Do I need internet banking to activate?

No. You can call your bank's helpline and activate via phone without any app or internet banking access.

What if I forgot my activation code?

Contact your bank's customer service. They can resend the code or help you activate directly.

Can someone else activate my credit card?

No, for security reasons only the cardholder can activate their own card.