set up your Chase card by phone, online, or in the Chase mobile app within minutes of receiving it

Chase requires you to set up a new credit card before you can use it. You have three ways to do this: call the number on the back of the card, log into your Chase online account, or use the Chase mobile app. All three routes take about five minutes and happen when ready — you can use the card right away once set up is complete.

The card arrives with a sticker on the front that tells you not to use it until you set up. This is a security measure. set up confirms that you received the card and that it's in your hands, not intercepted in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can set up by calling the number printed on the back of your card, logging into Chase.com, or opening the Chase mobile app.
  • set up takes about five minutes and you can use the card when ready afterward.
  • You will need your Social Security number or the last four digits of your SSN to verify your identity during set up.
  • If you lose your card before activating it, call the number on the back to report it and request a replacement.
  • Some Chase cards set up automatically after a few days if you don't set up manually, but you should not wait for this.

set up by phone

Call the customer service number printed on the back of your Chase card. You will reach an automated system that asks you to enter your card number and other information to verify your identity. Have your card and a form of ID in front of you.

The system will ask for your Social Security number or the last four digits of your SSN. After you enter this information, the system confirms your identity and activates the card. The entire call takes about three to five minutes. You do not need to speak to a person unless something goes wrong during the automated process.

If you are calling from outside the United States, the number on the back of your card will route you to Chase's international customer service line. The process is the same, but wait times may be longer.

set up through Chase.com

Log into your Chase online account at Chase.com using your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need to create one before you can set up the card. You can create an account on the same page where you log in.

Once you are logged in, look for a prompt about your new card. Chase usually displays this on your account dashboard or in a notification. Click on the option to set up your card. You will be asked to verify your identity by entering the last four digits of your SSN or answering security questions you set up when you created your account.

After verification, the card activates when ready. You can begin using it right away. If you do not see a prompt to set up, go to your account settings or card management section and look for an option labeled "set up Card" or "New Card".

set up through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app on your phone and log in with your username and password. If you do not have the app, you can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for free.

Once you are logged in, look for a notification or banner about your new card. Tap on it to begin set up. The app will ask you to verify your identity using the last four digits of your SSN or biometric authentication (your fingerprint or face, depending on your phone). After verification, your card activates when ready.

The mobile app is often the fastest route because it uses your phone's security features to verify your identity. You do not have to type as much information as you would on the website or over the phone.

What to do if set up does not work

If you try to set up and the system rejects your information, the most common reason is that you entered your SSN or card number incorrectly. Try again, entering each digit slowly and carefully. If the system still rejects your information after a second attempt, call the number on the back of your card and speak to a customer service representative.

If your card was damaged in the mail or you never received it, call the number on the back of your existing Chase card (if you have one) or call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Tell them your card did not arrive or arrived damaged. They will cancel the card and send you a replacement. You can set up the replacement card using the same three methods once it arrives.

If you lose your card before activating it, call the number on the back of an existing Chase card or call 1-800-935-9935 to report it lost. Chase will cancel the card and send a replacement. Do not try to set up a card you have reported lost.

When your card activates automatically

Some Chase cards set up automatically after three to five business days if you do not set up manually. This is a backup security measure. However, you should not wait for automatic set up — set up your card as soon as you receive it so you can use it right away.

Automatic set up timing varies depending on the type of card and your account. If you want to use your card before automatic set up happens, set up it yourself using one of the three methods above.

What happens after you set up

Once your card is activated, you can use it for purchases in stores, online, and over the phone. You can also add it to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay if you want to pay with your phone.

Your credit limit and interest rate are the same whether you set up when ready or wait for automatic set up. set up does not change your account terms or credit line. It only confirms that you have the card in your possession and are ready to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Chase card before I set up it?

No. Chase blocks all transactions on a new card until you set up it. If you try to use it before set up, the transaction will be declined. set up the card first, then use it.

Do I need to set up my card if I added it to Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Yes. Adding your card to a digital wallet does not set up it. You must set up the physical card separately using one of the three methods — phone, website, or app — before you can use either the physical card or the digital wallet version.

What if I set up my card and then lose it?

Call the number on the back of another Chase card or call 1-800-935-9935 to report it lost. Chase will cancel the card when ready and send you a replacement. You can set up the replacement card when it arrives.

How long does set up take?

set up is when ready. Once you complete the process by phone, website, or app, your card is active and you can use it right away. You do not have to wait for anything to process in the background.

Can someone else set up my card for me?

No. Chase requires the cardholder to set up the card themselves. This is a security measure to confirm that you received the card. If you cannot set up it yourself, call the number on the back of the card and speak to a representative about your situation.