What Happens If You Don’t Activate Your Credit Card?

You apply for a credit card. It arrives. You open the envelope and you think, “I’ll activate it later.” And then… later never comes. We’ve all done this.

People assume that if they never activate a credit card, nothing really happens. No usage. No damage. No consequences. But finance is rarely that simple. So let’s clear the confusion. What actually happens if you don’t activate your credit card?

First Things First: Is the Account Already Open?

Short answer? Usually, yes.

In most cases, your credit card account is created the moment your application is approved. Not when you activate the card.

That means the bank has already:

• Processed your application
• Checked your credit report
• Assigned a credit limit
• Linked the account to your credit profile

The physical card is just the tool. The account exists in the background. This is the first misconception we clear for customers at My Mudra. Non-activation does not mean non-existence.

The Hard Inquiry Has Already Happened

Let’s talk credit score. When you applied for the card, the lender ran a hard inquiry on your credit report. That inquiry:

• Appears on your credit history
• Can slightly reduce your score in the short term
• Stays visible for months

And here’s the important bit.

Not activating the card does not cancel or reverse that inquiry. The impact, however small, has already happened. So if you thought skipping activation keeps your credit record “clean,” that’s a myth.

You Can’t Use an Unactivated Credit Card. Period.

This part is simple. An unactivated credit card:

• Will not work online
• Will not work in-store
• Will not allow cash withdrawals

Every transaction attempt will be declined. And because the card is inactive, you also miss out on:

• Welcome bonuses
• Cashback milestones
• Reward points linked to early spending

From a value perspective, the card gives you nothing until it’s activated. It’s like owning a car and never starting the engine.

What About Fees? This is where it Gets Tricky

Many people assume: “No activation = no fees.” That’s sometimes true. But not always.

Annual Fees: Case by Case

In India, most banks do not charge annual fees unless the card is activated or used. However, this depends on:

• The card type
• The issuer’s internal policy
• The terms you agreed to

Premium cards and co-branded cards are more likely to have conditions attached. At My Mudra, we always advise one thing: Read the fee clause. Always.

Because if a fee is charged and ignored, it can snowball into:

• Late payment charges
• Interest
• Negative credit reporting

Rare? Yes.
Impossible? No.

RBI Rules Do Offer Some Protection

Here’s some good news. In India, RBI guidelines require banks to be cautious with inactive cards. Many issuers:

• Send reminders to activate
• Temporarily block usage
• Automatically close unactivated cards after a defined period

This period usually ranges between 30 to 90 days, depending on the bank. In many cases, if the card is never activated, the account is quietly closed without charges. But, and this matters, don’t assume this happens automatically. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to call the bank and confirm.

Can the Bank Cancel the Card for Non-Activation?

Yes. And they often do. Banks don’t like dormant accounts. They carry risk and add operational cost. So if a card remains unactivated:

• The issuer may close the account
• The credit limit is removed
• The account stops showing as active

This closure is usually neutral. Not negative. But it does have indirect effects.

How Non-Activation Can Affect Your Credit Score (Indirectly)

Let’s clear the fear first.

The Good News

Not activating your credit card:

• Does not directly lower your credit score
• Does not count as missed payments
• Does not create default history

The Missed Opportunity

However, by not activating the card, you lose the chance to:

• Build payment history
• Improve credit mix
• Strengthen long-term credit age

Credit scores reward responsible usage. No usage means no positive signals.

When Closure Has a Minor Impact

If the card is later closed:

• Your total available credit reduces
• Your credit utilisation on other cards may rise
• Your average credit age may drop slightly

For most people, this impact is small. But if you’re planning a big loan soon, like a home loan or a car loan, it can matter.

What About Security and Fraud?

Here’s a common worry. “If my card isn’t activated, am I safe from fraud?”

Mostly, yes. But not entirely.

An unactivated card:

• Cannot be used for normal transactions
• Is generally safer than an active card

However, if the card is lost or stolen:

• Inform the bank immediately
• Don’t assume inactivity equals zero risk

Banks still need to block it formally. Activation is also when you usually:

• Set up transaction alerts
• Enable app access
• Monitor usage

So security isn’t just about activation. It’s about awareness.

So… Should You Activate It or Not?

That depends on intent.

Activate the Card If:

• You plan to use it responsibly
• You want to build a credit history
• The benefits outweigh the fees

Use it lightly. Pay on time. That’s how credit works in your favour.

Don’t Just Ignore It If:

• You changed your mind
• The fees don’t make sense
• You already have too many cards

In that case, close it properly.

What To Do If You Don’t Want the Card

This is important. If you don’t plan to use the card:

• Call the bank
• Request formal closure
• Ask for confirmation

This avoids:

• Unexpected charges
• Confusion later
• Credit report surprises

At My Mudra, we always recommend clarity over silence. Finance rewards decisiveness.

Final Thoughts

Not activating your credit card isn’t a financial disaster. But it’s also not a zero-impact decision.

Here’s the reality:

• The hard inquiry already happened
• The account may exist in the background
• You miss out on credit-building benefits
• Fees are unlikely, but not impossible
• Closure can have minor ripple effects

The key is intent. Either use the card well or close it cleanly. Indecision is the only real risk. And if you’re ever unsure which choice makes sense for your credit journey, that’s exactly where we at My Mudra step in: helping you make clear, confident money decisions without the noise.

Also Read:
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Cards
- How to Pay Personal Loan EMI with a Credit Card in 2026