Activate your credit card now

This page tells you everything you need to know about activating your Bank of Scotland credit card.

How to activate your Bank of Scotland credit card

The quickest way to set up your new credit card is with our Mobile Banking app or online. It's safe, simple and secure.

You’ll need your new credit card to hand and we may need some of your personal information to complete the activation.

  • It's simple to activate your credit card online using our secure online form.

    1. Select 'Activate your credit card'

    Start by opening our secure online form by selecting the ‘Activate your credit card’ button.

    Activate your credit card Activate your credit card

    2. Complete the short form

    Enter the credit card number, your date of birth and the credit card expiry date and then select ‘Activate’.

    3. Success

    That’s it – your card will be activated and ready to use straight away.

    If you aren’t already registered with Internet Banking, you’ll be able to register once you’ve activated your credit card.

    If you are registered for Internet Banking, you can also login to your account to activate your card online.

  • The fastest way to activate your new credit card is through our app or secure online form.

    If you would rather to speak to a member of our team you can call us on 0345 964 5645 or +44 (0) 1733 574 121 from outside the UK. Lines are open 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.
    Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    You can also activate your credit card at your nearest Bank of Scotland branch.

    Our staff can also discuss any other queries you may have about your new credit card, including any services that you may benefit from.
     

You can activate your credit card quickly and securely with our app. 

Please note that you will need to be registered with Internet Banking in order to do so.

1. Select 'Apply' within the app

From within our app, please select 'Apply' at the bottom of your screen.

2. Select 'Credit cards'

Select 'Credit cards' followed by the option ‘Activate credit card’

3. Check card details

Check the card details match your new credit card, and then select ‘Activate’.

4. Success

Your card is now activated and ready to use straight away. You will then be given the option to go paper-free and set up a Direct Debit.

What happens after I've activated my card?

Once you've activated your card you will be able to use it for purchases in store and online.

Depending on the credit card you have set up, you'll now have access to a range of online services. Learn more about these below.

Ways to manage your credit card

Our app and Internet Banking let you manage your card in a way which works for. 

Here are just some of things you can do online:

Existing customer support Existing customer support

Card and PIN services

Find out about how you can manage your cards with our app and Internet Banking

  • View card details - You can view your credit card details in our Mobile Banking app. This lets you make purchases online or over the phone when you don't have your card to hand.
  • View PIN - Can't remember your PIN? Use our app to view your PIN instantly.
  • Change contactless limit - Use our app to change your contactless limit to one that works for you.
  • Freeze your card - Freeze different types of transactions in our app and get more control over your card.
  • Report your card lost or stolen - If you can’t find your card, don’t worry. You can report your card as lost or stolen online and in our app.
  • Order replacement card or PIN - If there’s a problem with your credit or you need a PIN reminder, let us know online.

Frequently asked questions

  • Internet Banking is a safe, simple and convenient way to stay in control of your money.

    Here are some of the benefits of Internet Banking:

    • Feel Safe – You’re protected by our Fraud Guarantee
    • Easy to use – It’s simple to register and support is always available
    • Stay in control – Keep track of what's going in and coming out of your account at any time
    • Save time – No queues or busy times. Bank anytime and anywhere with our Mobile Banking services.

    Find out more about Internet Banking
     

  • It's easy to register and takes about 5 minutes to complete.

    • Enter your personal details
      Name, date of birth, postcode and account details for one of your Bank of Scotland accounts.
    • Choose a username and password
      You will need access to a phone and we may need to send you an activation code in the post.
    • Log in to Internet Banking
      Log in using the username and password you’ve chosen.

     

  • You will not need to activate your replacement credit card, unless the sticker on the card asks you to do so.
     

  • The main cardholder must activate any additional card, as the 16 digit credit card account number of the main cardholder is needed. You can activate the additional card online, by calling the number on the credit card sticker or you can pop into your local branch.
     

  • Its easy to change your PIN to a number you already know – a memorable date, for instance. You can change your PIN at most UK cash machines. Just insert your card and using the PIN we've sent you, follow the on-screen instructions.
     

  • If you’ve forgotten your PIN, you can request a PIN reminder which will be sent through the post. You’ll receive your reminder by post in 3-5 working days.

    Just select one of the following options:

    • Login to Internet Banking - Use our replacement cards and PINs service by selecting it from the ‘More actions’ tools.
    • Use our Mobile Banking app and select the account action button ( the 3 dotted icon) for your chosen account.
    • Call us on: 0345 964 5645  (8am – 8pm, seven days a week) or +44 (0) 1733 574 121 if you're calling from abroad.
      Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Please note: for security purposes, we can't tell you what your PIN number is over the phone.