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About us

We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

Learn how the CFPB can help you

My new credit card won't work. What should I do?

Answer:

Call your credit card company to activate your card, or follow the instructions that you get with the card.

Most new credit cards are sent in a deactivated state to the mailing address you provided on your application. This is to prevent unauthorized use should the card be stolen before you receive it. 

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The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.