What mechanism does activation serve in card security?

Activation plays a critical role in card security by validating the cardholder before they can use the card for transactions. This process typically requires the cardholder to complete certain steps, such as calling a designated phone number or using an app or website to confirm their identity. By doing so, activation helps ensure that only the person who is authorized to use the card can initiate transactions. This layer of security is essential in preventing unauthorized use, as it verifies that the card in question is indeed linked to the legitimate owner, thus safeguarding against fraud.

While the other options may involve aspects of card usage or features, they do not specifically address the core function of activation as a security mechanism. For instance, transferring funds to checking accounts, creating digital records of purchases, or setting spending limits are important functionalities of a card, but they do not directly contribute to the validation process that protects against unauthorized transactions.