Before you can use a Capital One credit or debit card, you must first activate it. Cards are not mailed already activated, as if they were, someone could intercept the card and start using it immediately. If you’ve recently received a Capital One card in the mail and haven’t had time to use it, you can check to see if you’ve activated it in a specific way.
Step 1
Flip your Capital One debit or credit card over so the back is facing you. On the back is a customer service phone number.
Step 2
Dial the Capital One customer service phone number on your phone. This can be a cell phone or a landline phone.
Step 3
Select the “Activation” option from the Capital One customer service main menu. Flip your card over so you can see the front. Type the number on the front of the card on the phone using the phone’s keypad. If your One Capital card has already been activated, the automatic indicator will tell you at this time.
