How to activate your Revolut Card (US)
Activate your Revolut card (US) online, in the app or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.
Quick answer: Activate your Revolut Card (US) in the Revolut app. Have ready: The physical card; The Revolut app, or your card PIN for a chip and PIN purchase. Use only revolut.com or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.
What you need
- The physical card
- The Revolut app, or your card PIN for a chip and PIN purchase
Activate your Revolut Card (US) online
- Revolut cards are activated in the app, or by a chip and PIN payment
- Follow the app steps, or insert the card at a terminal and enter your PIN
Activate in the Revolut app
- Wait until the card has arrived (Revolut says only activate it then)
- Open the Revolut app and go to Cards
- Select the new physical card
- Tap Activate and follow the prompts
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
- Turn on contactless and online payments in card settings; physical cards have them off by default
- Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Set spending controls
If your Revolut (US cards issued by a partner bank named in the card terms) card won't activate
- Tap or online payment declined: turn on contactless and online payments in the card settings
- Card not arrived yet: use a virtual card or Apple Pay or Google Pay in the meantime
Revolut Card (US) activation FAQs
How do I activate my Revolut Card (US)?
You can activate it in the Revolut app, 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 Revolut (US cards issued by a partner bank named in the card terms) 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 revolut.com — scammers publish look-alike numbers.
Can I use my Revolut (US cards issued by a partner bank named in the card terms) 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 Revolut Card (US) 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 Revolut (US cards issued by a partner bank named in the card terms) card activate?
Tap or online payment declined: turn on contactless and online payments in the card settings Card not arrived yet: use a virtual card or Apple Pay or Google Pay in the meantime
Is it safe to activate my card online?
Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (revolut.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.
Sources: help.revolut.com. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.