The security code, also known as the card identification number or card verification value. Generally, you should be prepared with the following information: 'The process usually will differ between issuers, but you should receive instructions with the card,' Clarke says. Blue said that if you attempt to use your new card but the transaction doesn't go through, there might have been an issue with the activation process and you'll need to call customer service. You should receive some sort of confirmation once your card is activated, either by phone or from the webpage or mobile app. The entire process should take only a few minutes at most, she adds. 'The process is usually the same with each issuer, though sometimes the personal information they ask you to verify may be different,' says Joyce Blue, a certified life coach who focuses on money. It's best to use the phone number you provided on the application, otherwise activation might not work. When you're activating the card over the phone, the number you call from matters. 'You might have to call a number and provide personal information, go to a webpage and confirm the card, or activate the card through the issuer's smartphone app,' Clarke says. You can usually accomplish this in a couple of ways. To take advantage of your new credit line and perks, activate your card right away. Until you go through the card activation steps, though, swiping an inactive card means the transaction will be denied, he says.

However, that doesn't mean the account isn't open your new credit card will show up on your credit reports as an active account right away. 'If you don't activate your credit card, you won't be able to use it,' says Nathan Clarke, owner of the personal finance blog Millionaire Dojo. To protect your card information and ensure it ends up in the right hands, card issuers require you to activate your card before using it. Unfortunately, credit cards aren't immune to theft and fraud. Why Do You Have To Activate Credit Cards?

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