When your new Capital One card arrives, you must activate it before you can use it. Activation is quick and only takes a few minutes. Once activated, you can start using your card for purchases, rewards, and account features.
You can activate your Capital One card online, through the mobile app, or by phone.
Activate Your Capital One Card Online or in the Mobile App
The easiest way to activate your card is by signing in to your Capital One account.
Follow these steps:
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Sign in to your account at capitalone.com
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Or download the Capital One Mobile App from your app store
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You can also text MOBILE to 80101 to get the app download link
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Choose the account linked to your new card
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Look for the Activate Your Card button
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Follow the on screen steps
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Set a PIN if prompted
Once completed, your card is active and ready to use.
You can manage your account and card settings anytime through Capital One Online Banking.
Activate Your Capital One Card by Phone
If you prefer not to activate online, you can activate your card by calling the automated phone system.
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Call the phone number printed on the back of your Capital One card
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Follow the voice instructions
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Enter your card details when asked
This option works well if you do not have internet access.
If You Already Have a Capital One Credit Card
If this is not your first Capital One card, you need to link your new card to your existing account.
What you should do:
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Sign in to your Capital One account
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Follow the steps under Consolidate Your Accounts
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Once linked, activate your new card as usual
After linking, you can manage all your Capital One cards from one dashboard.
Benefits You Get With a Capital One Card
No annual fee
You can get the credit you need without paying an annual fee on many Capital One cards.
Automatic credit line reviews
You are automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months with responsible use.
CreditWise access
You get free access to CreditWise, which lets you:
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View your credit score
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Monitor your credit profile
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Get alerts about changes
CreditWise is free for everyone, even if you do not have a Capital One product. Learn more at Capital One CreditWise.
Fraud protection
You receive zero dollar fraud liability. If your card is lost or stolen, you are not responsible for unauthorized charges.
Tap to pay
You can pay faster and more securely using contactless payments. Just tap your card on a supported reader.
How You Can Manage or Get a PIN
A PIN is a four digit number you use for cash advances.
When you receive your card, you may:
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Choose your own PIN
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Receive a system generated PIN
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Decline a PIN
Get or change your PIN online
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Sign in to your credit card account
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Go to More Account Settings
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Select Control Your Card
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Follow the steps under Get a Cash Advance
You may receive a verification code by email or text. If not, your PIN arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Get or change your PIN by phone
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Call 1-800-227-4825
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Follow the automated instructions
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Request a new PIN or update your existing one
What a Cash Advance Is and How It Works
A cash advance lets you use your credit card to get cash. This can include:
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Withdrawing cash from an ATM
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Getting cash from a bank branch
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Sending money through apps like PayPal or Venmo
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Paying loans through third party bill pay services
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Buying lottery tickets or casino chips
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Exchanging currency
Important costs to know
Cash advances usually include:
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A transaction fee
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A higher interest rate than purchases
Fees post to your account on the same day as the transaction. Review your card terms so you understand how payments apply to cash advances.
How to Get a Cash Advance With a PIN
At an ATM:
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Insert your card
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Enter your PIN
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Follow the on screen instructions
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Check ATM fees before confirming
You must have:
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Available cash advance credit
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Available total credit line
Even if you have cash advance credit, you cannot take one if your total credit line is maxed out.
How to Get a Cash Advance Without a PIN
You can visit a bank lobby that displays the Visa or Mastercard logo.
Bring:
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Your Capital One card
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A government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license
The teller can process the cash advance for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Capital One card activation take
Activation usually completes within minutes.
2. Can you activate a Capital One card without the app
Yes, you can activate online or by phone.
3. Is a PIN required to activate your card
No, but you may need a PIN for cash advances.
4. Does Capital One charge for fraud protection
No, zero dollar fraud liability is included.
5. Is CreditWise really free
Yes, CreditWise is free for everyone.
6. Should you use cash advances often
No, they usually cost more than regular purchases.
