How to Activate a New Credit Card

Have you recently been approved for a credit card? If so, you might be wondering what the next steps are when it comes to activating your credit card, using it, and making your first repayment.
In our guide, we explore how to activate your credit card and begin your journey.

Why is it important to activate a credit card?

Not only is it important to activate a credit card, but it’s also a necessary step to take before you’re able to start using it.
Activating your credit card could help to prevent fraud. When you activate your credit card, you’re essentially providing the issuer with confirmation that it has arrived safely.

Can I use a credit card that hasn’t been activated?

No, it’s not possible to use a credit card that hasn’t been activated.
As discussed, credit card activation is designed to protect the cardholder from fraud.

How soon do you have to activate a credit card?

You should try to activate your credit card as soon as you receive it.
Some providers may set a time limit on activations, and they may contact you after the activation expiry to ask whether you’re experiencing any difficulties with the process.

Your credit card terms and conditions should include further information on activation and any applicable timescales.

Please note that if your account has an annual fee, this will be charged from the date when your account is set up, not the date you activate your credit card. Paying credit card account fees without activating and using the credit card could be a waste of money.

How to activate a new credit card

The exact way(s) in which you can activate your new credit card will depend on the provider, but typically, activation can be done in a variety of ways, including in-person at your nearest bank branch, through your online banking app, or by telephone.

The paperwork that you receive alongside your credit card should include instructions on how to activate. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact your provider.

What information do I need to activate my credit card?

Again, the information you may be asked to share when activating your credit card could vary between providers, but will usually include the long card number and some personal details needed to confirm your identity, such as your full name and date of birth.

How to activate a thimbl credit card

How to activate your physical thimbl credit card

1. Your thimbl credit card account can be managed in the Zable app. The first step to activating your thimbl credit card is to set up your chosen repayment method in the Zable app.*
2. Once this is done, select the ‘Card’ tab on the homepage of the Zable app and then click ‘My card has arrived’.
3. You’ll then be asked to provide the last 4 digits of the long card number.

How to activate your virtual thimbl credit card

1. The virtual thimbl credit card can be activated by following the steps above.

Important: the first time you use your physical thimbl credit card to make a transaction, you will need to input your PIN.

*The thimbl credit card is powered by Zable, a trading name of Lendable Ltd.

Does a credit card have to be signed to be valid?

Generally, a credit card will not be considered invalid if it’s not signed, although leaving it blank could put you at greater risk of fraud.

Some providers no longer produce credit cards with the signing strip; however, if your credit card does come with one, it’s a good idea to sign it at the same time you activate it.

How can I tell if my new credit card is activated?

You may receive confirmation from your provider once the credit card is activated.

If you have followed the steps to activate your credit card, but a transaction has since been declined, it’s best to speak to your provider so that they can look into this for you.

Can I use my credit card immediately after activating it?

Yes, you should be able to use your credit card as soon as you have successfully activated it.
Remember, you should never use your credit card as an excuse to spend money that you don’t need to or can’t afford to repay.
You may wish to remind yourself of your credit limit before you start using your credit card.
What is a credit limit? The credit limit is the maximum amount of money you can borrow. You should never spend over your credit limit; doing so could result in your transaction being declined, as well as a decrease in your credit score.

Credit limits available on each thimbl credit card

• The thimbl Credit Builder Credit Card comes with a personalised starting credit limit between £200 and £2,000.


• The thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card comes with a personalised starting credit limit between £500 and £2,000.

You can check your eligibility for the thimbl Balance Transfer Credit Card here.

Find out if you’ll be accepted before you apply for your thimbl. Credit Card

• For all credit levels, from poor to excellent
• Checking won’t affect your credit rating
• 48.9% APR Representative (variable)

Check my eligibility

When will my first repayment be?

Your first credit card repayment will be due after you’ve received your first statement; the timescale between the two will vary between lenders, but is typically around 21-25 days.
Your credit card statement will show the minimum repayment amount you’ll need to make. Please note that if you clear your balance on time and in full each month, you will not be charged interest.

If you experience difficulties in keeping on top of your repayments, please contact your lender as soon as you can.

I’m worried about money; what should I do?

There are a number of charities in the UK that offer free, confidential financial advice, including StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.
You can reach out to them at any time for impartial support.

Congratulations on your new credit card!

Now that your new credit card is up and running, you might be interested in the following guides:

• How do Credit Cards Work?
• Credit Card Dos and Don’ts
• Credit Card Statements Explained
• Minimum Credit Card Repayments Explained
• Using Your Mobile Phone to Make a Payment