How to activate your Cash App Card
Activate your Cash App Card online, in the app or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.
Quick answer: Activate your Cash App Card online at cash.app or in the Cash App. Have ready: The QR code that came with the card, OR the card's CVV and expiry date; Access to your Cash App account. Use only cash.app or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.
What you need
- The QR code that came with the card, OR the card's CVV and expiry date
- Access to your Cash App account
Activate your Cash App Card online
- Sign in to your account at cash.app (type it yourself)
- Go to the Cash App Card section
- Choose to activate the card
- Enter the CVV and expiry date from the new card
Activate in the Cash App app
- Tap the Cash App Card tab on the home screen
- Tap the image of your card
- Tap Activate Cash App Card
- Allow camera access and scan the QR code that came with the card
- No QR code? Tap 'Use CVV Instead' and enter the CVV and expiry date
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 your card PIN in the app
- Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Turn on notifications for card transactions
- Lock the card in the app if it's ever lost
If your Block, Inc. (card issued by Sutton Bank) card won't activate
- Lost the QR code: use the 'Use CVV Instead' option
- Card hasn't arrived: Cash App says to allow up to 10 business days
- Camera won't scan: allow camera permission for Cash App, or use the CVV
Cash App Card activation FAQs
How do I activate my Cash App Card?
You can activate it in the Cash App, online at cash.app. 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 Block, Inc. (card issued by Sutton Bank) 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 cash.app — scammers publish look-alike numbers.
Can I use my Block, Inc. (card issued by Sutton Bank) 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 Cash App 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 Block, Inc. (card issued by Sutton Bank) card activate?
Lost the QR code: use the 'Use CVV Instead' option Card hasn't arrived: Cash App says to allow up to 10 business days
Is it safe to activate my card online?
Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (cash.app) 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.
Sources: cash.app · cash.app. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.