Physical cards need to be activated before you can use them. Virtual cards are activated automatically when issued.
| Card type | Activation |
|---|---|
| Virtual | Automatic — ready to use immediately |
| Physical | Manual — activate from the app or desktop |
Activate on the mobile app
- Open the Budgetly app and tap Cards.
- Swipe to the card showing Pending activation.
- Tap Activate card.
- Tick the confirmation box to confirm you have the card.
Activate on desktop
- Log in to budgetly.io.
- Click Cards in the sidebar.
- Select the card showing Pending activation.
- Click Activate card in the top right.
- Confirm the activation.
Tip: Once activated, you can start making purchases immediately. For physical cards, you may also want to set your PIN.
Common questions
Do I need to activate a virtual card?
No. Virtual cards are activated automatically when issued and are ready to use straight away.
What if my card doesn't show Pending activation?
The card may still be in transit. Physical cards take 3–15 business days to arrive via AusPost.
Can an admin activate a card on behalf of a user?
No. The cardholder must activate their own card to confirm they have it in hand.