I just received my CSP recently, and I noticed the card can be used immediately without activation. Is this new to Sapphire ecosystem?? What safe guard do chase have to make sure the card is not used fraudulently??
Updated credit card doesn't require activating? - Bogleheads.org
Chase cards require phone verification but still do not work??
Chase Sapphire Preferred No Activation Needed?? - myFICO® Forums - 6277215
Why does Chase Freedom require me to "activate" my card for rewards every quarter? - Personal Finance & Money Stack Exchange
Videos
They make you do it (click the mouse a few times to activate the rewards) because X percent won't do it. Those that don't click get nothing.
If it was automatic people who didn't make an effort would accidentally get a benefit. But If you are aware of which category gets the bonus you might make an effort to boost your reward. Of course that extra usage will cost them more, but it also may help their bottom line because of the additional fees and interest.
In addition to mhoran's answer, I think it's a behavioral thing. It makes it seem like it's a benefit if you actually have to click around and do something, whereas if it was just a universal thing that always existed you might take it for granted.
So every few months it's like you get something "new". Usually "new" benefits comes with unplanned spending, which is exactly what they want.