set up your Chase card by phone, online, or in the Chase mobile app within 30 days of receiving it

Chase sends new credit cards in the mail with set up disabled. You must set up the card before you can use it for purchases, balance transfers, or cash advances. The fastest method is calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your Chase online account — both take about five minutes. You can also set up through the Chase mobile app if you already have one set up.

set up is separate from setting up your account online or choosing a PIN. Some cardholders confuse these steps. set up straightforward tells Chase the card arrived safely and you received it. You can set up when ready after opening the envelope, or wait until you are ready to use the card.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number printed on the back of your new card to set up it by phone, or log into your Chase account online to set up in seconds.
  • You have 30 days from the card's arrival to set up; after that, Chase may deactivate it and you will need to request a replacement.
  • set up is not the same as setting up online access or choosing a PIN — you can do these in any order.
  • If you do not receive your card within 7 to 10 business days of approval, contact Chase to confirm the mailing address on file.

set up by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your new card. You will reach an automated system that walks you through set up. Have your card and Social Security number ready. The system will ask you to confirm the last four digits of your Social Security number and may ask security questions based on your credit file.

The call takes about three minutes. Once the system confirms your identity, it will tell you the card is activated. You can use the card when ready after the call ends. If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, press the option to transfer to a live agent.

set up online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at Chase.com using your username and password. If you do not have online access set up yet, you will need to create an account first — this requires your card number, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once logged in, look for a prompt to set up your new card, usually on the account dashboard or under "Cards" or "Account Services." Click the set up link and confirm your card details. Chase will ask you to verify your identity with security questions. The process takes about two minutes, and your card is active as soon as you finish.

set up in the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase 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. The app will often show a notification that a new card is ready to set up.

Tap the notification or navigate to your card details. Select "set up Card" and confirm your identity when prompted. The app will show a confirmation message once set up is complete. You can start using the card right away.

What to do if your card does not arrive

Chase typically mails new cards within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you do not receive your card after two weeks, log into your Chase account and check the mailing address on file. If the address is wrong, you will need to request a replacement card with the correct address.

To request a replacement, call the number on the back of any existing Chase card you have, or log into your account online and select "Order a replacement card." Chase will mail the new card to the corrected address. If you have no other Chase card and cannot log in, visit a Chase branch in person with a photo ID and proof of address.

set up within 30 days or request a new card

Chase requires you to set up your card within 30 days of receiving it. If you do not set up within this window, Chase will deactivate the card automatically. You can still use it if you reactivate it, but only if you do so before the 30-day period ends.

If your 30-day window has passed and the card is deactivated, call Chase customer service or log into your account to request a replacement card. Chase will mail a new card at no charge. The replacement card will have a new 30-day set up window. Keep track of the mailing date so you know when the important date is.

Set up your PIN and online account after set up

set up lets you use your card for purchases and online transactions, but you may also want to set a PIN for ATM withdrawals and in-store cash advances. You can set your PIN through the Chase mobile app, online account, or by calling customer service.

If you have not yet created online account access, do that as soon as you set up your card. Online access lets you check your balance, view transactions, make payments, and manage your account settings. You will need your card number, Social Security number, and date of birth to set up an online account for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I set up it?

No. Chase blocks all transactions on unactivated cards. The card will be declined at checkout, at ATMs, and for online purchases until you complete set up through one of the three methods.

Do I need to set up my card if I already have online access?

Yes. Having an online account does not set up your physical card. You must complete the set up step separately, even if you have been a Chase customer for years.

What if I lose my card before activating it?

Call Chase when ready to report the card lost. Chase will cancel it and mail a replacement at no charge. The replacement card will have its own 30-day set up window.

Can I set up someone else's card?

No. Chase requires the cardholder to set up their own card for security reasons. The system will ask security questions only the cardholder should know the answers to.

How long does set up take to show up in my account?

set up is when ready. Once you complete the set up process by phone, online, or app, your card is ready to use when ready. You do not need to wait for anything to process.