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How to activate a new or replacement card

Author Ben Breitbart

New card activation

There are a few different ways to activate your new Capital One card. You’ll need your new card and the PIN you set up digitally or that arrived in the mail separately from your card.

Choose one of these options to activate your card:

  • Select the Activate my card button and follow the prompts on the screen

    Activate my card

  • Sign in to the mobile app or online banking
  • Call 1-888-655-5646

If you’ve received a new card due to a product upgrade, you may need to confirm the following information is correct before activating it:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Employment information

Once you’ve confirmed your information (if prompted) and successfully activated your card, it will be ready to use.

If your card has an annual membership fee, it will be charged once you activate your card or make your first transaction (excluding a balance transfer) on your account.

Replacement card activation

Lost or stolen card

Once you’ve received your replacement card after reporting your old card as lost or stolen, choose one of these options to activate your card:

  • Select the Activate my card button and follow the prompts on the screen

    Activate my card

  • Sign in to the mobile app or online banking
  • Call 1-888-655-5646

You’ll need your new card. Your PIN will be the same as it was previously. Once your card is activated, it will be ready to use.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you get a replacement card:

  • Update all recurring payments with your new card number and expiry date.
  • Update your card number if you make payments to your Capital One card through your bank’s online banking service.

Expired card

If you’ve been issued a new card because your old card has expired or is expiring soon, choose one of these options to activate your card:

  • Select the Activate my card button and follow the prompts on the screen

    Activate my card

  • Sign in to the mobile app or online banking
  • Call 1-888-655-5646

You may need to confirm the following information is correct before activating it:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Employment information

Once you’ve confirmed your information (if prompted) and successfully activated your card, it will be ready to use.

Damaged card – No activation required

If you still have your old card but it’s being replaced because it’s damaged, you’ll receive a new card with the same card number and expiry date. You can start using your new card right away. No activation is required.