I just received my Citi-Aadvantage Platinum Visa card. I get 35000 points if I spend $1500 in the "first three months of cardmembership".

I have the card but haven't activated it yet. I'd like to wait to begin the 3 month spending clock from beginning.

My questions are: 1) did the clock start when I was approved, or 2) does it start when I activate the card, and 3) how long can I delay the activation, if this is possible, to let me spend later in the year instead of immediately?