set up your Bank of America card by calling the number on the back of the card or using the mobile app

Bank of America sends new credit cards in an inactive state for security. You must set up the card before you can use it for purchases, whether online or in person. The fastest method is to call the customer service number printed on the back of your card — set up takes about two minutes. You can also set up through the Bank of America mobile app or online banking if you prefer not to call.

The card will not work at any merchant until set up is complete. Some cardholders attempt a purchase first and are declined, which can be confusing if you do not know set up is required. Once you set up, the card is ready to use when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your new card to set up it, or use the Bank of America mobile app or online banking portal.
  • set up takes a few minutes and must happen before you can make any purchase with the card.
  • You will need to verify your identity during set up, usually by providing your Social Security number or card number and date of birth.
  • If you do not set up within a certain period, Bank of America may deactivate the card and you will need to request a replacement.

set up by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your card. This is the most direct route and works from any phone. You will reach a Bank of America representative or an automated system, depending on the time of day and call volume.

Have your card and a form of identification ready. The system will ask you to verify your identity — typically by providing your Social Security number, the card number itself, or your date of birth. Once verified, you will be asked to confirm that you received the card and want to set up it. The process takes about two minutes.

If you reach a representative, they may ask additional questions about recent activity or fraud concerns. Answer these questions honestly; they are part of Bank of America's security process. Once the representative confirms set up, your card is live.

set up through the mobile app

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

Look for a notification or banner about your new card. Tap it to begin set up. The app will walk you through identity verification and ask you to confirm the card details. You may be asked to photograph the front and back of the card to verify it matches your account. Once complete, the card activates within seconds.

If you do not see a notification, navigate to the Cards section of the app, find your new card in the list, and select the option to set up. The steps are the same.

set up through online banking

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Navigate to the Cards section or look for a notification about your new card.

Select the card you want to set up and follow the prompts. You will verify your identity and confirm the card details. The process is similar to the mobile app but uses your web browser instead. set up is when ready once you submit.

Online set up works during business hours and outside them, though you may experience slower response times during peak hours.

What happens if you do not set up your card

Bank of America will not automatically set up your card. If you do not set up within a set timeframe — typically 30 to 45 days, though this varies — the bank may deactivate the card permanently. You will then need to contact Bank of America and request a replacement card, which takes another 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

If your card is lost or stolen before set up, contact Bank of America when ready. Tell them the card was not activated and ask them to cancel it and send a replacement. Do not attempt to set up a card you no longer have.

Troubleshooting set up problems

If set up fails or you receive an error message, the most common cause is incorrect identity verification. Double-check that you are entering your Social Security number or date of birth correctly. If you are still unable to verify, call the number on the back of the card and speak to a representative.

If the system says your card is already activated but you did not set up it yourself, contact Bank of America when ready. This could indicate fraud. A representative can review the set up history and, if needed, cancel the card and issue a replacement.

If you are trying to set up a replacement card and the system rejects it, the card may not yet be registered in your account. Wait 24 hours after receiving the card and try again. If the problem persists, call customer service.

Using your card after set up

Once activated, your card works at any merchant that accepts Bank of America credit cards. You can use it online, in stores, or over the phone. Your credit limit and interest rate are set by Bank of America based on your credit history and account status.

Set up automatic payments or pay your balance manually through online banking or the mobile app. Payments typically post within one to two business days. Review your first statement to confirm all charges are correct and that the card is working as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. Bank of America blocks all transactions on inactive cards. Any purchase attempt will be declined. You must complete set up before the card will work at any merchant.

How long does set up take?

set up is when ready when you complete the process by phone, app, or online banking. You can use the card right away once the system confirms set up is complete.

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

Contact Bank of America when ready and report the card lost or stolen. They will freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and send you a replacement. You will receive a new card within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to set up my card if I already have a Bank of America account?

Yes. Even if you have an existing Bank of America account, each new card must be activated separately. The set up process is the same whether you are a new customer or an existing one.

What if the set up system asks for information I do not have?

Call the customer service number on the back of the card and speak to a representative. They can walk you through set up over the phone and help if you are missing any required information.