How to activate your Scotiabank Credit Card
Activate your Scotiabank credit card online or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.
Quick answer: Activate your Scotiabank Credit Card online at scotiabank.com, in the Scotia Mobile Banking app or by phone at 1-866-583-6289. Have ready: Your card number; You must be the primary cardholder. Use only scotiabank.com or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.
What you need
- Your card number
- You must be the primary cardholder
Activate your Scotiabank Credit Card online
- Visa or American Express: go to activate.scotiabank.com (or scotiabank.com/activatecreditcard)
- Enter your card number
- Verify your identity or sign in to Scotia Online
- Confirm. The card works straight away
Activate by phone
Call 1-866-583-6289 (Scotiabank Mastercard activation number (Mastercards can only be activated by phone), per help.scotiabank.com) 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
- Add the card to your mobile wallet
- Set up alerts in Scotia Online or the app
- Destroy the old card if this is a replacement
If your The Bank of Nova Scotia card won't activate
- Mastercard won't activate online: Scotiabank Mastercards can only be activated by phone at 1-866-583-6289
- Supplementary card: only the primary cardholder can activate
- In-store chip and PIN only works if the sticker says your card is eligible
Scotiabank Credit Card activation FAQs
How do I activate my Scotiabank Credit Card?
You can activate it online at scotiabank.com, 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 The Bank of Nova Scotia card?
Yes — The Bank of Nova Scotia lists 1-866-583-6289 for card activation (Scotiabank Mastercard activation number (Mastercards can only be activated by phone), per help.scotiabank.com). Only call numbers printed on your card, its sticker or scotiabank.com.
Can I use my The Bank of Nova Scotia 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 Scotiabank 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 The Bank of Nova Scotia card activate?
Mastercard won't activate online: Scotiabank Mastercards can only be activated by phone at 1-866-583-6289 Supplementary card: only the primary cardholder can activate
Is it safe to activate my card online?
Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (scotiabank.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.scotiabank.com. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.