Released: January 02, 2019

Help Desk FAQ

What should I do when I receive (or purchase) a new card?

Typically, you must call the activation number on the card (or card wrapper) from your home (or registered) phone to activate a credit or debit card before you can use it. With a prepaid card that you purchase, you should go online to set up an account and register the card. This is the only way to activate cardholder protections for prepaid accounts.

Sign the back of the card immediately.

Although some people suggest writing "Ask for ID" in the signature space, this is not a good idea. Card issuers may advise merchants not to let purchases go through if the cardholder hasn't signed the card. If you want the merchant to check ID, you should sign the card and write "Ask for ID" or "Request ID" next to your signature.