[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "How%20do%20I%20activate%20my%20physical%20affirm%20card%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to activate your physical Affirm Card and get it set up properly \u2014 plus making sure you can use it for purchases right away.\n\n---\n\n## What is the Affirm Card\n\n- It\u2019s a Visa debit card (issued by Evolve Bank or Stride Bank via Affirm), linked to your Affirm account. ([investors.affirm.com](https://investors.affirm.com/news-releases/news-release-details/affirm-cardtm-power-affirm-now-your-wallet/?utm_source=openai))  \n- You can use it like a regular debit card \u2014 swipe or tap wherever Visa is accepted \u2014 or request a payment plan on purchases if eligible. ([investors.affirm.com](https://investors.affirm.com/node/9731/pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Do You Need to \"Activate\" It?\n\nBased on the latest published info, there\u2019s **no separate activation step** required to use the physical Affirm Card. Once it\u2019s issued (i.e. printed and mailed), it\u2019s ready to use. ([investors.affirm.com](https://investors.affirm.com/node/9731/pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## What You *Do* Need Before Using It\n\n1. **Link a bank account** to your Affirm account.  \n   This lets you use the card like a regular debit card \u2014 paying in full from your bank \u2014 or gives you flexibility to select a pay-over-time option on purchases. ([investors.affirm.com](https://investors.affirm.com/node/9731/pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n2. **\u201cPlan a Purchase\u201d** if you want a payment plan instead of paying in full.  \n   You can do this in advance via the Affirm app:  \n   - Go to the *Card* tab.  \n   - Tap **Plan a Purchase**.  \n   - Search for the store or use *\u201cMerchant not listed\u201d*.  \n   - Enter the total of your purchase.  \n   - Pick a payment plan. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Affirm/comments/1swiojc/confused_about_how_to_use_the_physical_card/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n3. If you don't set up a plan in advance, you *may* be able to swipe your card and then go into the app within 24 hours to split the purchase into a plan\u2014if that option is available for that transaction. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Affirm/comments/1sx22ch/physical_card_help/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Using It in Stores\n\n- Once your bank is linked, just swipe or tap the card like any Visa \u2014 you can either pay in full or use the plan you set up. ([investors.affirm.com](https://investors.affirm.com/node/9731/pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- If the store isn\u2019t in Affirm\u2019s list, use *Merchant not listed* under \u201cPlan a Purchase\u201d before you buy. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Affirm/comments/1swiojc/confused_about_how_to_use_the_physical_card/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you'd like, I can send you a direct link to Affirm\u2019s support article or guide specific to your situation (e.g. location, app version) to make this super clear. Do you want me to pull that up for you?"
    }
]