A system and method provide for secure activation of physical credit cards from a display provided at a store. Temporary spending cards (TSP) for use as credit cards are provided in tamper evident packages found in the display. The TSPs are initially inactivated. Upon removal of the TSP from the package, a user may scan the QR code on the TSP to direct the user's mobile device to a secure location that prompts the user for credit related information. A credit card system evaluates the information using business rules to determine whether or not to approve the user for activation. If approved, then the user is prompted to enter a serial number found on the card to allow immediate spending. The serial number is different from an account number for the card. The TSP expires within a predetermined relatively short time period.