Canada · Prepaid card

How to activate your KOHO Card

Activate your KOHO card online or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.

By the CreditCardCompare editorial team · Updated · Checked against koho.ca

Quick answer: Activate your KOHO Card in the KOHO app or by phone at 1-855-564-6999. Have ready: The phone number registered on your KOHO account; Funds in your account (inactive accounts may need a load first). Use only koho.ca or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.

Official activation koho.ca Methods: Phone · First chip + PIN purchase Phone: 1-855-564-6999 — KOHO activation line published on help.koho.ca. Select option 1 and call from the phone number linked to your KOHO account.
Good to know: The issuing bank comes from general knowledge of KOHO's cardholder agreement; check before publishing.
Only activate on koho.ca or the official app. Type the address yourself. KOHO Financial (cards issued by Peoples Trust Company) will never text or call asking for your full PIN or a one-time code.
A blue and red gradient debit card resting on a dark laptop keyboard — activating a new KOHO Card
Photo: CardMapr.nl / Unsplash

What you need

  • The phone number registered on your KOHO account
  • Funds in your account (inactive accounts may need a load first)

Activate your KOHO Card online

  1. Call 1-855-564-6999 from the phone number on your KOHO account
  2. Select option 1 to activate and set your PIN
  3. Add funds if needed (e-Transfer, direct deposit or debit load)
  4. Make your first purchase by inserting the card and entering your PIN
  5. Tap payments work after that first chip and PIN purchase

Activate by phone

Call 1-855-564-6999 (KOHO activation line published on help.koho.ca. Select option 1 and call from the phone number linked to your KOHO account) 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 SIN or date of birth.

After you activate

  • Your first purchase must be chip and PIN; tap works afterwards
  • Add the card to your mobile wallet
  • Reset your PIN from KOHO's help if needed

If your KOHO Financial (cards issued by Peoples Trust Company) card won't activate

  • Activation fails: make sure you're activating the newest card, since replacements cancel older ones
  • Calling from a different number: use the phone number on your KOHO account
  • Still stuck: contact support in the KOHO app

KOHO Card activation FAQs

How do I activate my KOHO Card?

You can activate it by phone, first purchase with PIN. 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 KOHO Financial (cards issued by Peoples Trust Company) card?

Yes — KOHO Financial (cards issued by Peoples Trust Company) lists 1-855-564-6999 for card activation (KOHO activation line published on help.koho.ca. Select option 1 and call from the phone number linked to your KOHO account). Only call numbers printed on your card, its sticker or koho.ca.

Can I use my KOHO Financial (cards issued by Peoples Trust Company) 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 KOHO 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 KOHO Financial (cards issued by Peoples Trust Company) card activate?

Activation fails: make sure you're activating the newest card, since replacements cancel older ones Calling from a different number: use the phone number on your KOHO account

Is it safe to activate my card online?

Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (koho.ca) 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: help.koho.ca. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.