Yes, both Physical and Digital+ cards need to be activated by the end recipient before they can be used.
AllGo Physical Gift Cards must be activated and registered online by the card recipient.
For regulatory and security reasons, AllGo Mastercards can only be activated within the European Union (EU) or the United Kingdom (UK) by cardholders over 18 years of age. Step-by-step Instructions for Physical Cards here
AllGo Digital+ Gift Cards must be redeemed in the Get My eCard app by the card recipient (within the EU or UK) and added to the Apple or Google Wallet on their smartphone. Step-by-step Instructions for Digital+ here
3D Secure: for secure spending online, both Physical and Digital+ cards need to be enrolled for 3D Secure (after activation).
See 3D Secure Instructions for Physical Cards here
See 3D Secure Instructions for Digital+ Cards here
Please Note: for regulatory and security reasons, AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards can only be activated in Ireland, most (but not all European Union (EU) countries, and the United Kingdom (UK) by cardholders over 18 years of age. Click here for more details.