set up your Bank of America credit card online, by phone, or in person

You can turn on your new Bank of America credit card in three ways: through the Bank of America website or mobile app, by calling the number on the back of your card, or by visiting a branch in person. Most people set up online or through the app because it takes two minutes and you can use the card when ready. The phone and in-person routes work the same day but take longer.

set up confirms your identity and tells Bank of America you have received the card safely. Until you set up, the card is locked and cannot be used for purchases, even if you try to swipe it or enter the number online.

Key Takeaways

  • Online set up through the Bank of America website or mobile app is the fastest method and takes about two minutes.
  • You will need your card number, Social Security number, and date of birth to set up, whether you use the app, website, or phone.
  • Calling the number printed on the back of your card connects you to Bank of America's set up line without waiting on hold.
  • Your card works when ready after set up, and you can use it for purchases, online shopping, and cash withdrawals.
  • If you cannot find your card or did not receive it, contact Bank of America before attempting to set up a card that is not yours.

set up through the Bank of America mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. If you do not have the app, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then log in or create an account.

Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Select "set up a Card" or look for a notification banner at the top of the app that says your new card is ready to set up. Tap that banner if it appears.

Enter the 16-digit card number from the front of your card, your four-digit PIN (if you set one), and your date of birth. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the last four digits of your Social Security number. Tap "set up" and wait for the confirmation message. Your card is now active.

set up through the Bank of America website

Go to bankofamerica.com and log in with your username and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your card number and Social Security number.

Look for a notification or banner on your dashboard that says your new card is ready to set up. Click on it. If you do not see a banner, go to the "Accounts" or "Cards" section and find your new card listed there, then select "set up Card."

Enter your card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Review the information and click "set up." You will see a confirmation screen. Your card is now ready to use.

set up by calling the number on your card

Look at the back of your credit card. You will see a phone number printed there, usually starting with 1-800. Call that number from any phone.

A Bank of America representative or automated system will ask you to enter your card number using your phone keypad, or you can say it aloud if you reach a person. You will also need to provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number to confirm your identity.

Once verified, the representative or system will set up your card. You will hear a confirmation message. If you spoke to a person, they may ask if you want to set up a PIN or review your account details before you hang up. Your card is active as soon as the call ends.

set up in person at a Bank of America branch

Bring your new credit card and a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to any Bank of America branch. You can find branch locations and hours at bankofamerica.com or by calling 1-800-432-1000.

Tell a teller or banker that you need to set up your new credit card. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and the card itself. They will then set up the card in their system while you wait. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

Ask the banker if you want to set up a PIN, review your credit limit, or discuss rewards or benefits that come with your card. Your card is active when ready and you can use it as soon as you leave the branch.

What to do if your card does not set up

If you see an error message or the set up does not go through, check that you entered your card number, date of birth, and Social Security number correctly. Typos in any of these fields will cause set up to fail. Try again, paying close attention to each digit.

If the card still will not set up after a second attempt, call the number on the back of your card and speak to a representative. They can see whether there is a problem with the card itself (such as a manufacturing defect) or with your account. They can also set up the card over the phone while you wait.

If you never received your card in the mail, do not try to set up it. Instead, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and report that your card did not arrive. They can reissue a replacement card to your address or arrange to pick up a card at a branch.

Use your card right after set up

Once your card is active, you can use it for in-store purchases by swiping or inserting it into a chip reader, for online shopping by entering the card number and expiration date, and for cash withdrawals at any ATM that accepts Visa or Mastercard (depending on which type of card you have).

You can also add your card to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay if you want to pay with your phone. To do this, open the wallet app on your phone, select "Add Card," and follow the prompts. Bank of America will send a verification code to your phone or email to confirm the card is yours.

Keep your card in a safe place and do not share your card number, expiration date, or three-digit security code with anyone unless you are making a purchase from a business you trust. If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card right away to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to set up a Bank of America credit card?

Online and mobile app set up takes about two minutes. Phone set up takes five to ten minutes depending on wait times. In-person set up at a branch takes five to ten minutes. Your card is ready to use when ready after set up is complete, regardless of which method you choose.

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. Bank of America locks new cards until you set up them. If you try to use an unactivated card at a store or online, the transaction will be declined. set up is a quick step that must happen before you can make any purchases.

What if I forgot my Bank of America online password?

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Forgot Username or Password?" on the login page. Follow the prompts to reset your password using your email address or phone number. Once you reset it, log in and set up your card. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 to reset your password over the phone.

Do I need to set up my card if I set up a PIN at the branch?

No. If a Bank of America banker set up a PIN for you in person, your card is already activated. You can use it right away. PIN setup and card set up are separate steps, but bankers often do both at the same time.

What happens if I lose my card before I set up it?

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and report that your card is lost. They will cancel that card and reissue a new one to your address. Do not try to set up a card you cannot find, even if you remember the number.