Do Barclays visa debit cards need to be activated before use?

togarama

I need to make a quick payment and the only account with immediate sufficient funds is a Barclays account I haven't used for two years (because it was easier to set up a new account with a different bank than get through to their call centre to resolve a problem!).

I have a card which is in date but don't recall ever phoning up to activate it and don't seem to have a pin number.

Before I phone up and embarass myself with a failed payment, does anyone know if Barclays use an activation system?

(Perhaps I could get Barclays to do a CHAPs transfer if I haven't activated the card.)

Thanks

book12

The card doesn't need to be activiated before use. Just use it straight away.