How to Activate a Green Dot Prepaid MasterCard Card

Green Dot has been providing consumers with prepaid MasterCards since 1999, according to the company's website. Consumers often purchase Green Dot cards with a specific dollar amount preloaded from a retailer. Once the card is purchased, the consumer registers and activates the card. Green Dot offers two convenient ways to register and activate the card: online and by telephone. After activation, Green Dot mails you a re-loadable Green Dot card. This card also requires activation before you can use it.

Instructions

1

Remove the back panel from your Green Dot package. Behind the panel you'll find the activation number. Gather your purchase receipt. The receipt has an additional number you need to activate the Green Dot prepaid MasterCard. This is your personal identification number for activation. You'll find it on your receipt next to "PIN."

2

Visit the Green Dot activation page to activate your temporary card online (see Resources). Type the 20-digit activation code into the first box, and then type the "Captcha code" into the second box. Click "Continue" to go through the activation steps. You'll need to enter your PIN, Social Security number, full name and mailing address. Once you are finished, your card is registered and activated.

3

Call Green Dot by telephone to register and activate your temporary MasterCard by phone. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Eastern Time). The number is 866-785-6963. Say "register a card" when prompted or press "1." You will be transferred to a Green Dot representative. Provide the representative with your activation number, PIN and personal information to register and activate your card.

4

Activate your permanent, re-loadable Green Dot Mastercard when it arrives in the mail. This normally takes seven to 10 business days. Visit the Green Dot permanent card activation website (see Resources) or call 866-795-7605. For activation, you'll need the 16-digit MasterCard number, the expiration date and the three-digit code found on the back.