How to activate a bank card

Why you need to activate a bank card

When you have just applied for a new bank card, the bank issues it to you deactivated. That is, you cannot use it in its original form — it must be activated first. This is done so that fraudsters cannot use it before you receive it.

You may choose not to activate the card. But in this case, you will not be able to use its functions and, essentially, it will be a useless piece of plastic. In addition, some banks demand annual maintenance fees even when you are not using the card.

Activation methods

There are several ways to activate a bank card. You can do this either at a bank branch through an employee or an ATM, or remotely — on the credit organization's official website or via the hotline phone number. Let's look at each of the methods.

At a bank branch

You can activate the card directly at the branch of the bank where you received it. To do this, you will need to tell the employee who served you. If you applied for and received the card remotely, you need to contact the branch closest to you. You must have your passport with you.

Via ATM

To activate the card via an ATM, you just need to enter the PIN code. Once you are in the main menu, the card will be considered activated. This method is relevant only if you were issued a PIN code for the plastic when applying. In other cases, activation takes place with an employee through a special device at the moment when you come up with the code and enter it via the terminal.

On the bank's website

To activate via your online account, you will first need to get your login username and password for the website. This is required at major banks, such as Sberbank. At some credit institutions, you can create your own login credentials.

Once you have logged in to your account, follow these steps:

• select the required card in the main menu;
• click the "Activate" button;
• enter the plastic card details;
• complete the activation.

By hotline phone

To activate the card by phone, you need to call the bank's hotline. As a rule, you can find it on the back of the plastic card. Specifically for the activation itself, you will need to provide the operator with the card number, code word, and your personal details.

Note.

The operator does not need to know the PIN code or CVC2/CVV2 to activate the card, so under no circumstances should you say these details out loud over the phone. If the operator insists that you dictate this information, hang up and call the bank's hotline to prevent fraud.

Answering frequent questions

To wrap up the article, we will answer the most common questions on the topic.

How long do I have to activate the card?

You can activate your debit card at your convenience before its expiration date. However, we do not recommend delaying the activation for that long; try to do it within the first few months of maintenance, because even if you do not use the plastic card, you will still have to pay for its maintenance.

The approach is slightly different for credit cards. Each bank has its own deadline within which the client must activate the credit card. Once it expires, the credit limit is reset to zero and the card becomes unusable.

How do I know if the card is activated?

To check the card, you can insert it into an ATM and try to perform any transaction. If it works, the card is activated. You can also try to make a transfer or payment via the mobile app. However, you will first need to register in the bank's online account to do this.

What should I do if I cannot activate the card?

In this case, you need to visit a bank branch or call the hotline to have an employee complete the activation.

Note.

Not all cards can be activated using the methods listed above. For example, a payroll card is activated automatically when the first salary is credited to it.

How much does the service cost?

Card activation is a mandatory and therefore free service, regardless of whether you opened a debit or credit card.

What can I do after activating the card?

After activating the card, you can use all its features:

• deposit and withdraw cash;
• transfer money;
• pay for goods and services;
• pay bills, etc.

How do I find out my card's PIN code?

Usually, the client sets the PIN code themselves upon receiving the card. To do this, they enter a 4-digit combination on a special terminal at the bank employee's desk and then confirm it. The cardholder can also create their own code if they activate it via the hotline. Banks that deliver cards to your home typically place the PIN code in a sealed envelope with all the other documents.