> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://discoverhelp-hub.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Activate a New Discover Credit Card

> Three safe ways to activate a brand-new Discover credit card.

<Note>
  Independent educational guide. Not affiliated with Discover Financial Services. To activate, use the phone number on the back of your card, the official app from your device's app store, or a web address you type yourself.
</Note>

<a href="/" style={{display:"inline-block",padding:"14px 28px",marginTop:"8px",marginBottom:"8px",background:"#F58220",color:"#ffffff",fontWeight:"600",fontSize:"16px",borderRadius:"12px",textDecoration:"none",boxShadow:"0 4px 12px rgba(245,130,32,0.35)"}}>Get Started Here →</a>

## What activation does

Activation confirms the right person received the card. It is free, takes a few minutes, and unlocks the card for purchases.

## Before you start

* Your new physical card
* Date of birth
* Last 4 digits of SSN (often enough)
* Access to your registered phone or email

## Three safe methods

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="By phone" icon="phone" href="/articles/activate-by-phone">
    Use the number printed on your card.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Official app" icon="mobile" href="/articles/activate-mobile-app">
    Installed from Apple App Store or Google Play.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Issuer's website" icon="globe" href="/articles/activate-website">
    A web address you type yourself.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  Never click activation links from emails, texts, or search ads. When in doubt, activate by phone.
</Warning>

## After activation

* Sign the back of the card.
* [Set your PIN and turn on alerts](/articles/pin-and-alerts).
* Shred the packaging.

## If something goes wrong

See [Activation is not working](/articles/activation-not-working).