You need to turn on your card before you can use it anywhere

Bank of America requires you to turn on (or "set up") your card before it will work at stores, ATMs, or online. This is a security step — it confirms that you received the physical card and that you're the person who should be using it. The process takes a few minutes and you can do it online, through the mobile app, or by phone.

Your card will not work for any purchase until you complete this step, even if the card arrived in your mailbox and looks ready to use. Bank of America does this to prevent someone else from using a card that was lost or stolen in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Bank of America card will not work until you turn it on, which you can do online, through the mobile app, or by calling customer service.
  • You will need your card number, the expiration date printed on the front, and your online banking password or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Turning on your card through the app or website takes about two minutes and happens when ready.
  • If you cannot remember your online banking password, you can turn on your card by phone without logging in first.

Turning on your card through the Bank of America website

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "set up Card" or "Card Services" — this is usually visible on your main account dashboard or under a menu labeled "Accounts" or "Services."

Click on the option to turn on your card. You will be asked to enter the card number and the expiration date from the front of your physical card. Bank of America will show you the last four digits of the card to confirm you are activating the right one. Click the button to confirm, and your card will be turned on when ready. You can use it right away.

Turning on your card through the mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and look for "Card Services" or "set up Card."

Select the card you want to turn on from the list of cards on your account. The app will ask you to confirm the expiration date and may ask you to enter a code that was sent to your phone or email. Once you confirm, your card is turned on and ready to use. This usually takes less than a minute.

Turning on your card by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service number on the back of your card, or call 1-800-435-7000 if you do not have the card yet. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions.

Once you are verified, tell the representative you want to turn on your card. They will ask for the card number and expiration date. After you provide this information, they will turn on the card for you over the phone. You can use it when ready after the call ends.

What to do if your card will not turn on

If you see an error message or the card does not turn on after you try, the most common reason is that you entered the card number or expiration date incorrectly. Check that you typed the numbers exactly as they appear on the front of the card, including any spaces.

If you have tried multiple times and the card still will not turn on, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-435-7000. A representative can look up your account and turn on the card for you by phone. They can also tell you if there is a problem with the card itself — for example, if it arrived damaged or if there is a hold on your account.

When your new card arrives in the mail

Bank of America usually sends you a new card when you first open an account, when your current card is about to expire, or when you request a replacement. The card will arrive in a plain envelope with instructions. Do not throw away the envelope — it often contains important information about your account.

Turn on your card as soon as it arrives, even if you do not plan to use it right away. This prevents someone else from using it if the mail is delayed or lost. You do not have to wait for a specific date or time — you can turn it on the same day it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card before I turn it on?

No. Bank of America blocks all transactions on a card until you turn it on. If you try to use it at a store or ATM before turning it on, the transaction will be declined.

How long does it take for my card to turn on?

If you turn on your card through the website or app, it happens when ready and you can use it right away. If you turn it on by phone, it also happens when ready after the representative confirms your information.

Do I need to turn on my card if I only use it online?

Yes. You must turn on your card before you can use it anywhere — online, at a store, or at an ATM. The set up requirement is the same for all uses.

What if I lost my card before I could turn it on?

Call Bank of America at 1-800-435-7000 and tell them your card is lost. They will cancel that card and send you a new one. When the new card arrives, you will need to turn it on before you can use it.

Can someone else turn on my card for me?

No. Bank of America requires the person whose name is on the account to turn on the card. This is a security measure to make sure the card is being used by the right person. If you need help, you can call customer service and they will walk you through the steps.