A secure card package which includes an inactive transaction card that includes an edge. The secure card package also includes a security piece that includes an edge. The security piece and the inactive transaction card are connected in an edge-to-edge manner to prevent the transaction card from being activated. The security piece is selectively detachable from the transaction card so that, when detached, the transaction card can be activated. The invention also includes a process for activating an inactive transaction card which includes the steps of receiving the inactive transaction card and a security piece and detaching the security piece from the inactive transaction card so that the inactive transaction card can be activated.