set up your card by calling the number on the back or using the Bank of America app
Bank of America sends a new credit card with a sticker on the front that lists a phone number. Call that number from any phone, and the automated system will walk you through a few quick questions to confirm your identity — usually your Social Security number, card number, and date of birth. The whole process takes about two minutes. Once the system confirms who you are, your card is active and ready to use when ready.
If you prefer not to call, you can also set up through the Bank of America mobile app or website. Log in to your account, find the card in your wallet section, and select the option to set up. The app method is faster if you already have online banking set up, and you'll see confirmation on screen right away.
Some cards arrive already active — Bank of America will tell you in the paperwork that comes with the card. If yours says it's ready to use, you can skip set up entirely and start charging right away.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number printed on the sticker attached to your new card, or use the Bank of America app to set up in under two minutes.
- You'll need to confirm your identity with your Social Security number, card number, and date of birth.
- Some Bank of America cards arrive pre-activated and don't require any action on your part.
- Your card works when ready after set up — you don't have to wait for a confirmation email or letter.
- If you lose the sticker with the phone number, you can call the customer service number on the back of the card itself.
What happens if you don't set up your card
A card that hasn't been activated won't work at a store, online, or at an ATM. If you try to use it before set up, the transaction will be declined. This is a security feature — Bank of America wants to confirm the card reached you and not someone else.
There's no important date to set up. You can wait weeks or months if you want, though most people set up within a day or two of receiving the card. The card itself doesn't expire just because you haven't activated it yet — the expiration date printed on the front is what matters.
set up by phone: the step-by-step process
Call the number on the sticker. An automated voice system will answer and ask you to enter your card number using your phone keypad. After you enter it, the system will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth to verify your identity.
Once the system confirms your information matches Bank of America's records, it will tell you the card is now active. You'll hear a confirmation message, and that's it — you're done. You can hang up and use the card right away.
If the system can't verify your information, it will tell you to call customer service to speak with a person. This usually means there's a mismatch in the records — for example, if you recently changed your address and the bank's system hasn't updated yet. A representative can walk through the verification by hand and set up the card for you.
set up through the app or website
Open the Bank of America app and sign in with your username and password. Tap or click on the card section — usually labeled "Wallet" or "Cards" — and look for your new card listed there. You should see an option that says "set up Card" or similar language.
Tap that option and the app will ask you to confirm a few details, usually just your card number and date of birth. Once you confirm, the app will show a message saying your card is active. You can start using it right away.
If you don't see your new card in the app yet, it may not have synced to your online account. Wait a few hours or try logging out and back in. If it still doesn't appear after a day, call the number on the card sticker to set up by phone instead.
What to do if you can't reach the set up line
The sticker on your card has a dedicated set up number, but if that line is busy or you can't reach it, you can call the main Bank of America customer service number on the back of the card itself. Tell the representative you want to set up your new card, and they'll handle it the same way the automated system would.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring your new card and a photo ID, and a teller can set up it for you on the spot. This is useful if you want to ask questions about how the card works or if you're having trouble with the phone or app method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my card before it's activated?
No. Transactions will be declined until you complete set up. The card won't work at stores, online, or at ATMs until you've gone through the set up process by phone, app, or in person.
How long does set up take?
By phone or app, set up is when ready — usually two to five minutes total. In person at a branch, it takes a few minutes while the teller processes it. You can use the card when ready after any of these methods.
What if I set up the card and then it still gets declined?
Call customer service on the back of the card. A declined transaction after set up usually means the card is locked for fraud prevention, your account has an issue, or you've hit your credit limit. A representative can tell you which one and help fix it.
Do I have to set up my card if I'm not going to use it right away?
No. You can wait to set up until you're ready to use it. There's no penalty for waiting, and the card won't expire just because it hasn't been activated yet.
What if I lose the card before activating it?
Call Bank of America customer service right away using the number on your account statement or the bank's website. Tell them the card was lost, and they'll cancel it and order a replacement. You won't be able to set up the lost card.