Activate your card before you use it
Bank of America requires you to activate a new credit card before you can make purchases or access your account online. Activation is free and takes a few minutes. You have three ways to do it: call the number on the back of your card, use the Bank of America mobile app, or log into your online banking account.
The card itself will not work until you complete activation, even if you received it in the mail weeks ago. Activation confirms that you received the physical card and that the person activating it has access to your account — this is a fraud prevention step.
Key Takeaways
- You must activate your card by phone, mobile app, or online banking before you can use it for any purchase.
- Activation by phone takes about two minutes and requires only the card number and your Social Security number or date of birth.
- The mobile app and online banking routes let you activate without speaking to anyone, and both show your new card details immediately after.
- If you lose your card before activation, call the number on the back of the replacement card or contact Bank of America directly to activate it.
Activate by phone — the fastest route
Call the activation number printed on the back of your credit card. This is the fastest method and works 24 hours a day. Have your card in front of you and be ready to provide your Social Security number or date of birth to verify your identity.
The automated system will ask you to enter your card number using your phone keypad, then confirm your identity. Once verified, the system will tell you your card is active. You can use it immediately after the call ends. If you prefer to speak to a representative instead of using the automated system, you can stay on the line and a person will activate it for you.
Activate through the Bank of America mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap the card icon or navigate to the Cards section. You should see your new card listed as inactive. Tap on it and select the option to activate.
The app will ask you to confirm the last four digits of the card and may ask you to verify your identity a second time using your fingerprint, face recognition, or a code sent to your phone. Once you confirm, the card is active. You can see your card number, expiration date, and CVV in the app immediately after activation.
Activate through online banking
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Look for your new card in the Accounts section or Cards section of your dashboard. Click on the card and look for an Activate option.
The website will ask you to confirm the last four digits and may send a verification code to your phone or email. Enter the code and your card will be active. Like the mobile app, you can view your full card details online right after activation.
What happens if you do not activate your card
An unactivated card will be declined at checkout, at an ATM, and for online purchases. The merchant or ATM will not tell you the card is inactive — the transaction will simply fail. You will need to activate before trying again.
Bank of America does not charge a fee for leaving a card unactivated, and there is no time limit to activate. However, if you do not use the card for a long period, the bank may close the account due to inactivity. Check your account terms for the specific timeline.
Activate a replacement card using the same process
If your card was lost, stolen, or damaged and Bank of America sent you a replacement, activate it the same way — by phone, app, or online banking. The replacement card will have a different card number than the original.
Once you activate the replacement, the old card number stops working. If you had recurring charges set up with the old card number (subscriptions, automatic bill payments), you will need to update those merchants with your new card number to avoid declined transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my card before I activate it?
No. Bank of America blocks all transactions on unactivated cards. The card will be declined whether you use it in a store, online, or at an ATM. You must complete activation first.
How long does activation take?
Activation is instant. By phone, it takes two to five minutes. Through the app or online banking, it takes one to three minutes. Your card is ready to use immediately after you finish the activation process.
What if I lost my card before I could activate it?
Call Bank of America at the number on any statement or visit a branch to report it lost. They will send a replacement card. When the replacement arrives, activate it using the same three methods. The lost card will not work even if someone finds it.
Do I need to activate my card if I only plan to use it online?
Yes. Activation is required for all card use — in-store, online, or by phone. The card will not work for any purchase until you activate it, regardless of how you plan to use it.
What if activation fails or I get an error message?
If the automated phone system has trouble, hang up and try again, or press the option to speak to a representative. If the app or website shows an error, try logging out and logging back in. If problems continue, call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your card.