set up your card directly in the Chase Mobile App in under five minutes

You can turn on your new Chase credit card without calling customer service. Open the Chase Mobile App, tap the card image, and follow the prompts to verify your identity and set a PIN. The card becomes active when ready after you complete these steps.

This method works whether you received a physical card in the mail or a digital card number sent to your phone. The app walks you through each step and shows you when set up is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Chase Mobile App, sign in with your username and password, and look for your new card in the card list.
  • Tap the card image and select the option to set up or turn on the card — the exact wording depends on your card type.
  • You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions.
  • Set a PIN when prompted, then your card is ready to use for purchases and cash withdrawals.
  • If you received a digital card number, you can use it for online shopping when ready while waiting for the physical card to arrive.

Step-by-step set up in the Chase app

Start by opening the Chase Mobile App on your phone and signing in with your username and password. If you do not have the app yet, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then create your login or sign in with your existing Chase online banking credentials.

Once you are signed in, look at the card list on your dashboard. Your new card will appear with a label like "Not Activated" or "set up Card." Tap directly on the card image or the card name to open the card details screen.

Select the option that says "set up Card," "Turn On Card," or "set up This Card" — the exact wording varies by card type. The app will then ask you to verify your identity before proceeding. This is a security step to confirm you are the cardholder.

Verify your identity to unlock the card

Chase will ask you to confirm who you are using one of several methods. The most common is answering security questions you set up when you opened your account — questions like your mother's maiden name or the city where you were born. Answer these correctly and move forward.

Some cards may ask you to confirm recent transactions instead. The app will show you a list of purchases or transfers you made recently and ask you to identify which ones are yours. Select the correct ones and proceed.

If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Chase account, you may receive a text message or push notification asking you to confirm the set up request. Check your phone, tap the confirmation link or enter the code shown, and return to the app.

Set your PIN and complete set up

After identity verification, the app will ask you to create a four-digit PIN for your card. This PIN is used at ATMs to withdraw cash and at some stores for in-person transactions. Choose a number you can remember but that is not obvious — avoid birthdays, sequential numbers like 1234, or repeating digits.

Enter your PIN twice to confirm it matches. The app will then display a confirmation screen showing your card is now active. You will see the full card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Write down or screenshot this information if you need it for online purchases.

Your card is now ready to use. You can make purchases online, in stores, or withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts your card network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, depending on your card type).

Using a digital card number before your physical card arrives

If Chase sent you a digital card number through the app or by email, you can use that number for online shopping right away — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail. The digital number works anywhere that accepts credit cards online.

To find your digital card number in the app, open the card details screen and look for a section labeled "Digital Card" or "Card Number." Tap to reveal the full number, expiration date, and CVV. Use these details to complete online purchases just as you would with a physical card.

When your physical card arrives in the mail, set up it using the same steps above. You can then use the physical card at stores, restaurants, and gas stations. Both the digital and physical versions of the same card share the same account, so charges appear together on your statement.

What to do if set up does not work

If you tap the card and do not see an set up option, the card may already be active. Check your card details screen — if it shows the full card number and does not say "Not Activated," you can start using it when ready.

If the app shows an error message during set up, try signing out and signing back in. Close the app completely, wait a few seconds, and reopen it. Sometimes a fresh login clears temporary glitches that prevent set up from completing.

If you still cannot set up the card after signing out and back in, or if the app repeatedly shows an error, contact Chase customer service. You can call the number on the back of your card (or on the welcome letter if you have not received the physical card yet), use the chat feature in the app, or visit a Chase branch in person. A representative can set up the card over the phone or in the branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. A card that shows "Not Activated" in the app will be declined if you try to use it for a purchase or cash withdrawal. You must complete the set up steps first. If you have a digital card number, that can be used for online shopping before the physical card is activated.

How long does it take for my card to become active after I set up it in the app?

Your card is active when ready after you complete the set up steps and see the confirmation screen. You can use it for purchases or cash withdrawals right away. There is no waiting period.

Do I have to set a PIN when I set up my card?

Yes, the app requires you to create a PIN as part of the set up process. You will need this PIN to withdraw cash at ATMs and for some in-store transactions. You can change your PIN later in the app or by calling customer service.

What if I forgot my Chase app password and cannot sign in to set up my card?

Tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it. Chase will send a reset link to your email address or text a code to your phone. Once you reset your password and sign back in, you can set up your card normally.

Can I set up my card on the Chase website instead of the app?

The set up feature is available in the mobile app. If you prefer to use a computer, log into your Chase online banking account, find your new card in the account overview, and look for an set up option there. The steps are similar to the app version.