set up your Chase card by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into your Chase account online
When your new Chase credit card arrives in the mail, it will not work until you set up it. set up is a security step that confirms you received the card and are the person who requested it. Chase offers two main ways to set up: a phone call to the number printed on the back of the card, or a few clicks in your online account. Both take less than five minutes and happen when ready.
You do not need to wait for set up to use the card online if you have the card number, expiration date, and CVV — but most merchants will decline the transaction if the card is not yet activated. set up also triggers fraud monitoring on your account, which protects you if someone else tries to use the card before you do.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card or log into Chase.com to set up within minutes of receiving it.
- You can use the card number online before set up, but most in-person and online retailers will decline the transaction.
- set up is free and happens when ready — there is no waiting period or additional step after you confirm your identity.
- If you do not set up within a set timeframe, Chase will contact you by mail or phone to confirm you received the card.
Activating by phone
The fastest way to set up is to call the number printed on the back of your new card. You will reach an automated system that asks you to enter your card number, expiration date, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system confirms your identity and activates the card on the spot.
If you prefer to speak with a person, you can stay on the line after the automated prompts and ask to be transferred to a representative. They can answer questions about your card features, credit limit, or rewards program while they have your account open. The phone line is available 24 hours a day.
Activating through your Chase account online
Log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app with your username and password. If you have not yet set up an online account, you will need to do that first — Chase sends instructions with your new card. Once you are logged in, look for a banner or notification about your new card, or navigate to the card account itself.
Click the option to set up the card. Chase will ask you to confirm the last four digits of the card number and may ask a security question. The set up completes when ready, and you will see a confirmation message in your account. You can then set a PIN for ATM withdrawals if you want to use the card at a cash machine.
What happens if you do not set up right away
Chase does not deactivate your card if you wait a few days or weeks to set up it. However, the card will not work for purchases until you do. If you do not set up within 30 to 45 days (the timeframe varies by card type), Chase may contact you by phone or mail to confirm you received it and want to keep the account open.
If Chase cannot reach you and you do not set up within a longer window, the account may be closed. This does not hurt your credit score — a closed account you never used has minimal impact — but you will need to request a replacement card if you change your mind later.
Activating a replacement or reissued card
If Chase sends you a replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or expired, you will need to set up that card the same way. The old card stops working as soon as you set up the new one, so do not set up until you are ready to switch. If you have autopay set up on the old card, update it to the new card number after set up.
If you requested a new card because your old one was compromised, Chase may have already flagged your account for fraud. set up will complete normally, but you may see a temporary hold on your account while fraud review finishes. This usually clears within one business day.
Setting up PIN and additional security after set up
After set up, you can set a four-digit PIN for ATM withdrawals and cash advances. Do this through your Chase account online or by calling the number on the back of the card. You can also set up two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone) for extra security when you log into your account.
Chase also offers fraud monitoring and purchase protection on all cards. These features are automatic and do not require you to set anything up. If you see a charge you did not make, report it through your account or by calling the number on the back of the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Chase card before I set up it?
You can enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV to make online purchases before set up, but many retailers will decline the transaction because the card is not yet active. In-person purchases will not work until you set up. Most people set up when ready to avoid this problem.
What if I lose my card before I set up it?
Call Chase right away using the number on the card or the customer service number on your account statement. Tell them the card was lost before set up. Chase will cancel that card and send you a replacement. You will set up the replacement card when it arrives.
Do I have to set up my card by a certain date?
There is no hard important date, but Chase typically contacts you if you do not set up within 30 to 45 days. If you do not respond and do not set up within several months, Chase may close the account. set up is free and takes five minutes, so most people do it the day the card arrives.
Will set up affect my credit score?
No. set up is just a security confirmation that you received the card. It does not trigger a credit inquiry, does not report to the credit bureaus, and does not change your score. Your score may change once you start using the card and making payments.
What if the automated set up system does not recognize my information?
Stay on the line and ask to speak with a representative. They can manually verify your identity using additional questions and set up the card for you. This usually means Chase needs to confirm something in your account before set up can proceed.