Why Activating Your Credit Card in the First 30 Days Matters

Why Activating Your Credit Card in the First 30 Days Matters: Importance and Benefits

Excited to receive your brand- new credit card? That’s great. But remember, until you activate it, it is just a piece of plastic.

Activating your credit card within the first 30 days is not just important, it is an RBI rule. It is about security, eligibility, and unlocking a host of benefits right from the start. In this blog, we will explain why early activation matters, what happens if you delay, and the many advantages of getting your card up and running quickly.

 

Why Activation in the First 30 Days is Important

When a credit card is delivered to you, it is in an inactive state by default. This is a security feature designed to protect you in case the card is misplaced or gone in wrong hands during delivery. The issuer expects you to activate the card within a given time window which is first 30 days from the date of card issuance.

 

Here is why this 30-day window is critical:

1. Security First: Activation confirms the card has safely reached the right owner (you). Until then, it stays inactive to prevent misuse.
2. Avoid Deactivation: Cards not activated within first 30 days may be auto-blocked or even cancelled by the issuer. This not only delays your credit journey but may also affect your eligibility for future cards.
3. Unlock Rewards & Welcome Benefits: Most credit cards, including BOBCARD ETERNA, PREMIER, etc., have joining rewards linked to first 30 to 60 days of usage. Early activation ensures you don’t miss them.
4. Start Building Credit History: Your credit profile begins when you start spending responsibly and paying on time. Activation is your first step to building a healthy credit score.
5. Emergency-Ready: An active credit card is a safety net. From last-minute travel bookings to medical payments, early activation ensures your card is ready when you need it.
6. Stay Compliant with Regulations: RBI guidelines require issuers to deactivate cards that remain unused beyond a certain period. Activating promptly ensures compliance and avoids unnecessary disruptions later.

 

What Happens If You Don’t Activate Timely?

Many customers don’t understand the importance of early activation. Here’s what could go wrong if you do not activate your card within the first 30 days:

• Card May Be Blocked: Issuers can block an inactive card for safety.
• Welcome Offers Lost: If you miss the spend window tied to activation, you lose access to joining rewards.
• Negative Impression on Credit Record: A cancelled card soon after issuance may reflect poorly when you apply for other credit products.
• Inconvenience During Emergencies: Without activation, you can’t use the card for urgent travel bookings, medical expenses, or shopping deals.

In short: a delay in activation is not just a missed opportunity, it can actually limit your financial flexibility.

 

Benefits of Activating Your Credit Card

1. WELCOME REWARDS & BONUSES: From cashback to extra reward points to other complimentary benefits, early activation ensures you don’t miss out on welcome perks.
2. FULL ACCESS TO CARD FEATURES: Activation is not only about swiping at stores. It also enables:
   • Online shopping
   • International usage (once toggled on)
   • EMI conversion on purchases
   • Reward tracking and redemption
3. SAFER TRANSACTIONS WITH PIN & CHIP: During activation, you set your secure PIN. This adds a layer of protection to every transaction, making it safe to shop.
4. START BUILDING CREDIT HISTORY IMMEDIATELY: Every responsible transaction and on-time payment is a building block for your credit score. Activating early means you get a head start.
5. LIFESTYLE PRIVILEGES FROM DAY ONE: Premium cards often include benefits like Airport lounge access, insurance, accelerated rewards, partner offers across top e-commerce portals and lifestyle brands. With activation, these privileges become instantly accessible.
6. PEACE OF MIND: Simply put, once you activate your credit card, you know it is ready to use anytime you need it, whether for a planned purchase or an emergency.

Steps to Activate Your BOBCARD

Here is the simplest way to get your BOBCARD up and running within minutes:

1. Register your card on the BOBCARD App or Portal
   • Download the BOBCARD App or visit www.bobcard.co.in
   • Register with your card details, DOB and OTP
2. Generate Credit Card PIN
   • Inside the app or portal, go to My Card Services → Generate PIN
   • Authenticate with OTP and set a secure 4-digit PIN
3. Do any one transaction
   • Make a purchase (even a small one) to fully activate the card
4. Send SMS Confirmation
   • SMS: DOM XXXX (replace XXXX with the last 4 digits of your card)
   • Send to 9223172141 from your registered mobile number
5. Enable Online, Contactless, or International Transactions
   • In the app or portal, go to Card Limit Management → Set Card Control Types and Limits
   • Options include Online, Domestic/International usage, and Contactless payments
6. Missed Call Activation Option
   • Give a missed call to +91-7835911177 from your registered mobile number

Smart Tips for the First 30 Days After Activation

Once your card is active, here is how to make the most of it right away:

1. Make a Small Purchase: Use the card for a small spend to test its functionality and confirm PIN setup.
2. Explore Welcome Benefits: Check your welcome perks, if any, and plan your spends accordingly.
3. Set Bill Reminders: Add a calendar alert or enable auto-pay to avoid missing your first payment.
4. Enable Online & International Use: If you shop online or travel, toggle these options in your app settings.
5. Save Support Numbers: Store your issuer’s helpline number in your contacts for emergencies. Or just open the BOBCARD App anytime to get all customer support channels at your fingertips.

BOBCARD Advantage: Smooth Activation + Big Benefits

At BOBCARD, activation is designed to be simple, secure, and rewarding. Whether you are activating through the mobile app or the portal, it is just a quick login and OTP verification.

And once you are active, you can immediately enjoy:

• Reward points on shopping, travel, dining, and fuel (based on your card type)
• Monthly offers across partner brands like Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, and more
• Lifestyle perks such as lounge access and dining privileges (based on your card type)

Pro tip: Activating within the first 30 days ensures you never miss welcome bonuses or limited-time offers tied to your joining period.

You can explore ongoing partner deals here: BOBCARD Offers

Summary

Activating your credit card within the first 30 days is more than a formality—it’s your first step to financial empowerment. From securing your card to unlocking rewards, it ensures you make the most of your credit journey from day one.

With BOBCARD, activation is designed to be fast, safe, and rewarding. So #DontWaitToActivate your card today and start experiencing the benefits immediately.

Reimagine life, everyday with BOBCARD.