set up your card by phone, online, or in person

Bank of America sends you a new credit card in the mail with a temporary status. Before you can use it, you need to confirm it belongs to you. You can do this three ways: call the number on the back of the card, log into your online account, or visit a branch in person. Most people finish by phone in under five minutes.

The card arrives with set up instructions printed on the envelope or the card itself. You do not need to wait for anything else to arrive — the card is ready to set up as soon as you receive it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number printed on the back of your new card to set up it by phone, and have your card and a form of ID ready.
  • Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app, find your new card, and follow the set up prompt if one appears.
  • Visit any Bank of America branch with your card and ID to set up in person with a teller.
  • Your card will not work for purchases until you complete set up, even if you received it weeks ago.
  • set up takes a few minutes and does not cost anything.

set up by phone

Call the customer service number printed on the back of your new card. This is the fastest method for most people. Have your card and a government-issued ID in front of you before you call.

The automated system will ask you to enter your card number and other information to verify your identity. You may be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions Bank of America has on file. Once verified, the system will confirm your card is now active. You can use it when ready after the call ends.

If you reach a live representative instead of an automated system, they will walk you through the same verification steps and set up the card for you.

set up through your online account

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or through the mobile app. Once you are signed in, look for your new card in the accounts section or under a "Cards" tab. Some accounts show a prompt to set up a new card automatically when you log in.

Click on the card or the set up option and follow the on-screen steps. Bank of America will ask you to confirm details about the card and verify your identity. Once you submit, your card is active and ready to use.

If you do not see an set up prompt in your account, your card may already be active. You can test this by making a small purchase or checking your account settings.

set up in person at a branch

Bring your new card and a government-issued ID to any Bank of America branch. A teller can set up your card while you wait. This method works well if you have questions or prefer to handle it face-to-face.

You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours, tell the teller you need to set up a new card, and they will complete it in a few minutes. Your card will be ready to use when you leave the branch.

What to do if set up does not work

If you tried to set up your card and received an error message, the card may have been damaged in the mail or there may be a temporary issue with the system. Call the number on the back of your card and explain what happened. A representative can troubleshoot with you or send you a replacement card.

If you cannot reach customer service by phone, visit a branch in person. Bring your card and ID, and a teller can investigate why set up failed and help you move forward.

Do not attempt to set up the same card more than three times in a row. Multiple failed attempts can temporarily lock the card for security reasons.

Use your card after set up

Once your card is active, you can use it anywhere that accepts Bank of America credit cards — in stores, online, or over the phone. Your card will be linked to your account when ready, and purchases will show up in your online account within one to two business days.

Set up autopay or check your account regularly to stay on top of your balance. You can also add your card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay if your phone supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. Bank of America blocks new cards from working until you complete set up. This is a security measure to make sure the card reached the right person. set up only takes a few minutes and can be done when ready after you receive the card.

How long does set up take?

set up is when ready by phone or online. If you call, the process takes two to five minutes. If you set up online, it happens as soon as you submit. In-person set up at a branch also takes a few minutes.

What if I lost my card before I could set up it?

Contact Bank of America right away by calling the number on your account statement or visiting a branch. Tell them the card is lost. They can cancel that card and send you a replacement. You will set up the new card when it arrives.

Do I need to set up my card if I received it as a replacement?

Yes. Replacement cards go through the same set up process as new cards. Follow the same steps — call, log in online, or visit a branch.

Will set up affect my credit score?

No. set up is just confirming you received the card. It does not trigger a credit check or change your credit report in any way.