How to activate your Bank of America Credit Card
Activate your Bank of America credit card online, in the app or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.
Quick answer: Activate your Bank of America Credit Card online at bankofamerica.com, in the Bank of America Mobile Banking app or by phone using the number on the card sticker. Have ready: Online Banking ID and Passcode (or enroll in Online Banking first); An extra security verification step. Use only bankofamerica.com or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.
What you need
- Online Banking ID and Passcode (or enroll in Online Banking first)
- An extra security verification step
Activate your Bank of America Credit Card online
- Go to the Bank of America card activation page
- Sign in with your Online Banking ID and Passcode (or enroll)
- Complete the extra security step
- Choose the new credit card and activate it
Activate in the Bank of America Mobile Banking app
- Sign in to the Mobile Banking app
- Select the credit card account
- Scroll down to Card Management
- Tap Activate Card
Activate by phone
Call the activation number printed on the sticker on the front of your new card (or the customer-service number on the back) and follow the automated prompts. You will usually be asked for the card number and a piece of identity information such as the last four digits of your Social Security number or your ZIP code.
After you activate
- Set up alerts in the app
- Add the card to your digital wallet
- Update autopay and subscriptions if the card replaces an old one
If your Bank of America card won't activate
- No Online Banking login: enroll first, or use the number on the letter that came with the card
- Can't pass the security step: use the phone option instead
Bank of America Credit Card activation FAQs
How do I activate my Bank of America Credit Card?
You can activate it online at bankofamerica.com, in the Bank of America Mobile Banking app, by phone. Online or in-app activation is usually fastest: sign in, choose the new card, and confirm the details requested.
Is there a phone number to activate a Bank of America card?
Use the activation number printed on the sticker on the front of your new card, or the number on the back of the card. Only call numbers shown on the card itself or on bankofamerica.com — scammers publish look-alike numbers.
Can I use my Bank of America card before activating it?
Generally no. A new card is blocked until it is activated, although some issuers activate a replacement automatically the first time you use it with your PIN, and some let you use a virtual card number in the app straight away.
Does activating a Bank of America Credit Card affect my credit score?
No. Activation is not a credit check. Any hard inquiry happened when you applied; activating simply switches the card on. Not activating a new account does not close it, so it can still appear on your credit report.
Why won't my Bank of America card activate?
No Online Banking login: enroll first, or use the number on the letter that came with the card Can't pass the security step: use the phone option instead
Is it safe to activate my card online?
Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (bankofamerica.com) or official app. Type the address yourself rather than following links in texts or emails. Your bank will never ask for your full PIN or a one-time passcode by phone or text.
Bank of America cards we review
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Intro APR | Foreign fee | Credit needed | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card from American ExpressFrequent flyers who'll exhaust the lounge access and statement credits |
$895/yr | 5x flights booked with airlines or Amex Travel; 5x prepaid hotels via… | None | None | Excellent (740+) | |
American Express Gold CardBig dining and U.S. supermarket spenders who'll use the monthly credits |
$325/yr | 4x at restaurants worldwide, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to cap), 3x f… | None | None | Good to Excellent (700+) | |
American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred 3488 297728 06483 VALID THRU 06/31ALEX MORGAN Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressFamilies with heavy supermarket and streaming spend |
$95/yr | 6% U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr), 6% select U.S. streaming, 3% tran… | 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months | 2.7% | Good to Excellent (700+) | |
The Business Platinum Card from American ExpressFrequent-flying business owners who'll use the lounges and credits |
$895/yr | 5x on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1.5x on eligible pur… | None | None | Good to Excellent (700+) |
Sources: www.bankofamerica.com. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.