Once you receive your new New Discover Card by post, you must activate it by login on to discover.com and entering the 16-Digit Card Number.
To activate your new Discover Card, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Activate Online
- Go to the Discover Activation Page:
Discover Card Activation. - Enter the 16-digit card number and the 3-digit security code (CVV) found on the back of your card.
- Follow the prompts to activate your card.
- You may be asked to set up your online account or create a username and password if you don’t have one already.
- Once completed, your Discover Card will be activated and ready to use.
2. Activate Using the Discover Mobile App
- Download the Discover Mobile App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Open the app and log in using your Discover account credentials.
- If you’re not registered, you can follow the prompts to create an account.
- Once logged in, follow the on-screen instructions to activate your new card.
3. Activate by Phone
- You can also activate your card by calling Discover’s customer service at 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683).
- Follow the automated voice prompts to enter your card number and other requested details to activate your card.
4. Confirm Activation
- After activation, you can start using your Discover Card immediately for purchases, either online or in-store.
- You may also receive an email confirming the activation of your card.
Activating a credit card lets your card issuer know that you received the card and that you’re ready to make purchases.
You can activate your credit card online, using a card issuer’s mobile app or over the phone by calling the card issuer’s customer service number.
Generally, once you activate the credit card you can use it as long as the account is open, and the card is not expired.

How to activate your credit card by phone
One way to activate your is by calling the number 1-800-347-2683 printed on the sticker attached to the front of your card, or in the letter that came with the card. Typically, you’ll provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number when you activate a new card. You’ll also confirm the credit card number or account number that’s printed on the card.
Much like confirming the routing number associated with a debit card when you establish a direct deposit, this process is a way to verify you’re the person who both applied for and received your card after it was shipped. Occasionally for security purposes, credit card issuers prefer that you activate your card by calling from the phone number associated with your account.
If you call to activate your card from a different number — such as your work phone, for example — you may need to provide additional information to verify your identity before the issuer will activate your card. In this case, the credit card company may also ask you to enter key codes sent via email or SMS text to confirm your identity as a form of multi-step verification.
If you’re thinking about how to get a credit card, you should first check your credit score to figure out your credit card eligibility. Do a credit card comparison among offers for customers with your credit rating and choose the one that’s best for you. It’s always good to check if prequalification is available for that card before you submit a credit card application.
You can usually use your credit card right away after you activate (discover.com activate) it. And you can use it for as long as your account is open and the card has not expired. If you have any problem using your card after you’ve activated it, be sure to call us immediately at the number on the back of the card
How to activate your credit card without calling the bank
Activating credit cards online is a convenient option that doesn’t require dialing any numbers or listening to any automated menus
Some card issuers allow you to complete card activation through a mobile app. Other credit card issuers have online banking options to easily activate your credit card online. This means you can activate the credit card without calling the bank or the customer service number
If you choose to activate your card online, you may need the 3-digit code listed on the back of the card. For Discover cards, look for the code following the letter “A.”
How do you know if your credit card is activated?
To confirm that the credit card is activated, call the phone number listed on the back of the card, check online, or use the credit card issuers mobile app.
How long after you activate your card can you use it?
Typically, once you activate your new credit card, you can use it right away. Generally, you’ll be able to use the card as long as the account is open, and the card hasn’t expired. If you’ve activated the card but you have a problem using it, call the number on the back of the card.