Why credit card activation matters

If you’ve only got a minute:

• You have to activate your card before you can use it to make any transactions.
• Card activation can be done easily and quickly through digibank (mobile or online banking), SMS, or at a DBS/POSB ATM.
• Start using your card to make the most out of its benefits like cashback, reward points, miles, or to build your personal credit history.

When you receive your credit card in the mail – whether it is a new or replacement one – there is one important thing to do before you can start using it.

Activating your card is the first step to unlocking the world of benefits that come with it.

Here are 4 things to note about credit card activation, and why it matters that you see to it promptly.

1. It is neither difficult nor time consuming

While it takes a few days from putting in your application to receiving your card in the mail, activating your card is a seamless process that takes a mere few minutes.

You can refer to the guided card activation steps to learn the different ways you can activate your cards, including through DBS digibank mobile or online.  If you prefer, you can also activate your card through SMS or at a DBS/POSB ATM or VTM (Video Teller Machine).

Once your credit card is activated, you can start using it immediately to enjoy your card benefits like cashback, rewards points, or miles. What are you waiting for? If you already have your credit card on hand, activate it now to make the most of it.

Read more: Pros and cons of credit cards

2. Annual fees apply regardless of card activation

For all the benefits that credit cards provide, being charged annual fees isn’t one of them! This is just part and parcel of owning a credit card.

Some believe that annual fees are not charged until the date of activation of a credit card or the date a first purchase is made with it. However, that’s not true as the annual fee period commences from the date that a credit card is issued by a bank.

It doesn’t help to delay activating your credit card for too long as your account may be closed for security reasons.

If annual fees are a concern for you, you may request for a fee waiver via DBS digibot. Do note, however, that fee waivers are not guaranteed and it is at the discretion of the card issuer.

Read more: Rolling over credit card debt is no game

3. Using DBS digibank provides added card security

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it takes 7 to 9 working days for your credit card application to be processed upon receipt of all required information and documents. Following that, you should receive your card in the mail within a few days. If you are not registered for the digibank mobile app, you will also receive a separate mail containing your preliminary credit card PIN (Personal Identification Number).

While mail in Singapore does not often get lost in transit, it can go missing once in a blue moon. This means it is still possible that your credit card or PIN mailer may not reach you. In the event this happens, the bank will take the precautionary action of deactivating your card to prevent misuse of it.

This can become a frustrating affair as it takes time to reactivate or apply for a new card.

By using digibank to activate your card, both you and the bank can be assured of whether the credit card/PIN has reached you, thus eliminating the risks and inconveniences associated with the loss of them.

Read more: Use your credit card to your advantage

4. Start using your card to build your credit history

One of the benefits of using a credit card is the opportunity to build your personal credit history.

When you apply for loans, financial institutions use your credit history to determine your credit worthiness as a borrower. This in turn affects whether your loan is approved, at what rate, and the loan amount.

Your credit history is built when you make transactions on your credit card, and then pay your bills in a timely manner and in full.

Without activating your credit card, you cannot start making purchases on it and thereby delay the opportunity to start building your credit score.

Read more: Why is my credit score important?
Find out more about: DBS Credit Cards

What are you waiting for?

Once you receive your credit card, activate it easily using either digibank, SMS banking, DBS/POSB ATMs, or VTM.

Start using your card as soon as possible and make the most of your benefits like cashback, rewards points or miles!

Ready to start?

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Disclaimers and Important Notice
This article is meant for information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Before making any decision to buy, sell or hold any investment or insurance product, you should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding its suitability.