What you need to know about credit card expiration dates (2024)

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What you need to know about credit card expiration dates (1)

Robin Saks Frankel

Robin Saks Frankel

What you need to know about credit card expiration dates (2)

Robin Saks Frankel

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Updated 11:02 a.m. UTC Nov. 14, 2023

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What you need to know about credit card expiration dates (3)

Credit cards have a shelf life. When you use a credit card for purchases, retailers and businesses may ask for its expiration date and security code (also known as your card verification code or CVC/CVV) to ensure it’s valid. Knowing your credit card expiration date and what to do before it expires can ensure continuity of any recurring payments, and not leave you without an active card account to use for purchases.

What the expiration date means on your credit card

Most credit cards are set to expire after three to five years, depending on the issuer, to protect against general wear-and-tear and potential fraud. The expiration date listed on your credit card doesn’t mean your account is closed after that date, but the card is no longer usable. If your credit card is declined, an expired card could be the culprit.

Where is my credit card’s expiration date?

Expiration dates typically appear on the front or bank of credit cards. Card issuers list expiration dates using a two-digit month/year format. If your card’s expiration date reads as 05/26, the card is active through the last day of May 2026.

What to do when your credit card expires

Generally, credit card issuers will automatically mail a replacement card up to 60 days before the expiration date. Your new card will feature a new expiration date and card verification value, known as a CVC or CVV security code, but in most cases the card number will stay the same.

When a credit card expires, it doesn’t mean that your account is closed. As long as your account is in good standing and the card issuer hasn’t made a product change, your account is still active, but you cannot use it until a replacement card arrives with a new expiration date and CVC code.

What to do with your expired credit card

Take care to destroy your old credit cards properly. For plastic cards, you can shred the card or cut it into small pieces to prevent anyone from viewing the card number and CVV. Metal cards are harder to destroy or dispose of properly. Some card issuers provide a special envelope for returning old credit cards for disposal. You can also request an envelope by contacting your card issuer’s customer service department.

You may be required to activate your new card online, via a phone call or just when you use it to make a new purchase. Follow the instructions sent by the card issuer to verify your identity and activate the card. New cards often come with a sticker that lists an activation phone number or website where you need to log in and activate the card.

Any time you receive a new credit card, take time to review the card terms and conditions. Make note of the card’s APR, fees, payment due dates and credit limit. It’s also important to update any recurring payments or subscription services with the new expiration date and CVC code that are tied to the expired credit card to avoid late payments or disruption of any services

Why do credit cards expire?

There are several reasons why credit card issuers place expiration dates on credit cards.

  • Card wear and tear: Credit cards don’t have an unlimited shelf life. The magnetic strip on the back of the card or the expiration date and CVV may rub off over time, making the card more difficult to use. And those EMV chips can also break down over time as they can become scratched or damaged with frequent use.
  • Improved technology: As credit card technology changes, card issuers aim to replace older versions of cards whenever possible. We’ve witnessed this with microchip technology added to cards. Most chip-less cards have since been replaced with upgraded cards.
  • Design changes: Card issuers change the design of cards from time to time. As cards expire, they can be replaced with cards that showcase any new logos or designs.
  • Fraud protection: Online vendors validate your card by asking for your card number, cardholder name, expiration date and CVC/CVV code to protect you against fraudulent use of your card. If your card is expired or the CVC code doesn’t match up, the transaction will be declined. If using the card at a brick-and-mortar retailer, an expired card will automatically be declined.

In summary, your credit card’s expiration date is set to ensure that not only will you have a card in good working order, but it can also protect you against fraud. While your card issuer will generally send you a new card before your old one expires, if you haven’t received one, you can always call the number on the back of your card to request a replacement card. Once you have the new card in hand, it’s important to safely dispose of the old card as well as update any recurring payments with your new expiration date and CVV code.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Your credit card will be declined if you try to use it after its expiration date. Credit cards are valid through the end of the month listed on your card’s expiration date.

Credit card expiration dates are confidential outside of verifying them when making purchases. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) prohibits businesses from displaying sensitive credit card information on store receipts.

When credit card issuers replace expired credit cards, they usually keep the same credit card number unless you change products or your original credit card was lost or stolen. If your card has been lost or stolen, you need to report it right away to prevent unauthorized use. Your new replacement card will come with a new card number, as well as a new expiration date and CVV code.

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What you need to know about credit card expiration dates (4)

BLUEPRINT

Kevin Payne is a personal finance and travel writer who covers credit cards, banking, and other personal finance topics. In addition to Forbes, his work has been featured by Bankrate, Fox Business, Slick Deals, and more. He is the budgeting and family travel enthusiast behind Family Money Adventure. Kevin lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and four kids.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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As a seasoned expert in personal finance and credit cards, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. I've extensively covered various aspects of credit cards, banking, and personal finance, and my expertise has been acknowledged by reputable sources such as Forbes, Bankrate, Fox Business, and more. I'm well-versed in the intricacies of credit card management, and I understand the importance of staying informed about the latest developments in the financial industry.

Now, diving into the provided article about credit card expiration dates, let's break down the key concepts and insights:

  1. Credit Card Expiration Overview:

    • Credit cards have a finite shelf life, typically ranging from three to five years, varying by issuer.
    • Expiration dates are designed to protect against wear and tear and potential fraud.
    • An expired card doesn't mean the account is closed, but the card is no longer usable.
  2. Location of Expiration Date:

    • Expiration dates are usually located on the front or back of credit cards.
    • The format is typically two digits for the month and two digits for the year (e.g., 05/26).
  3. Issuer Replacement Process:

    • Credit card issuers often send a replacement card automatically within 60 days before the expiration date.
    • The new card features a new expiration date and card verification value (CVC or CVV), while the card number may stay the same.
  4. What to Do with Expired Credit Cards:

    • Properly dispose of old credit cards to prevent unauthorized access.
    • Shred or cut plastic cards; some issuers provide special envelopes for metal cards.
  5. Activating the New Card:

    • New cards may require activation online, through a phone call, or with a purchase.
    • Instructions for activation are usually provided by the card issuer.
  6. Reviewing Terms and Conditions:

    • Upon receiving a new credit card, review its terms and conditions.
    • Take note of APR, fees, payment due dates, and credit limit.
    • Update recurring payments or subscriptions with the new expiration date and CVC code.
  7. Reasons for Credit Card Expiration:

    • Wear and tear, technological advancements, design changes, and fraud protection are reasons for expiration.
    • Improved technology, like the introduction of EMV chips, may lead to card replacements.
  8. Fraud Protection:

    • Online vendors use expiration date and CVC/CVV for card validation to prevent fraudulent transactions.
    • An expired card will be declined automatically at brick-and-mortar retailers.
  9. FAQs:

    • Credit cards are valid through the end of the month on the expiration date.
    • Credit card expiration dates are confidential.
    • Replacement cards usually retain the same number unless the original card was lost or stolen.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of credit card expiration dates is crucial for maintaining financial continuity and safeguarding against potential risks. The provided information is a comprehensive guide, and I'm here to address any additional questions or concerns.

What you need to know about credit card expiration dates (2024)

FAQs

What you need to know about credit card expiration dates? ›

Expiration dates appear on the front or back of a credit card in a two-digit month/year format. Credit cards expire at the end of the month written on the card. For example, a credit card's expiration date may read as 11/25, which means the card is active through the last day of November 2025.

How does a credit card expiration date work? ›

Generally, a card is valid through the month identified in its expiration date. If the expiration is 07/27, for example, then the card may be used through July 2027. However, expiration dates apply only to the physical card, not the credit card account.

Can I use my credit card after the expiration date? ›

After a credit card expires, it will no longer be possible to use it to make purchases. The card won't work in stores and with online purchases and will return a “declined” notice from the bank. Most credit card issuers automatically mail cardholders a replacement card 30 to 60 days before the card's expiration date.

When a credit card expires, does it automatically renew? ›

What happens when a card expires? If you're worried about your credit card expiring, you don't have to be. Your card issuer is probably handling the process in the background. Shortly before your card's expiration date, the issuer should automatically send you a new card in the mail.

What happens if I don't renew my credit card? ›

Credit cards usually don't work after their expiration date, but the account they're attached to is still active. Your credit card issuer will typically mail your new credit card ahead of the old card's expiration date, so it's a good idea to make sure the address on your account is current.

Can expired credit cards still be charged? ›

You will not be able to make additional purchases with your old card once it expires. If you are using your credit card for pre-authorized automatic charges for billing or subscription services, you run the risk of incurring penalties or cancellation.

What does exp 01 23 mean? ›

Literally it means that it expires after that date which in your example means expires after Jan 2023 passes, hence the first day of the following month. It also most often reflects that the company's tests show that it will be at least 90% effective one year past that date.

What happens if you accidentally use an expired credit card? ›

In both cases, an expired or revoked card doesn't work when used for purchases. Normally, there's no problem if you accidentally use an expired or revoked card to buy something; the vendor would inform you that your card isn't active anymore and would ask you to use another mode of payment.

Can you pay with an expired card? ›

In short, you can't use an expired credit card. The good news is that cards expire at the end of the expiration month, not the beginning. When a credit card expires, you'll get a replacement in the mail, but you'll have to activate it before you can use it.

Is it safe to throw away expired credit cards? ›

Disposing of a plastic credit card

Make sure to cut through the magnetic stripe, chip and any embossed information on the card (such as your name and credit card number). Dispose of the pieces in different trash bags or containers to add an extra layer of security.

Do banks send you a new card when yours expires? ›

Generally, your bank will send you an updated debit card in the mail a month before yours expires. However, if that hasn't happened, keep these steps in mind: If you don't receive one as the expiration date draws closer, it's best to follow up with your bank about getting a new card.

Does CVV change when card expires? ›

If you sign up for a new credit card or replace an existing one, you'll end up with a new code; the same applies if your current card expires and you receive a replacement. Even if your credit card number is exactly the same, you will still have a different CVV.

What's the reason for an expiration date? ›

Expiration dates on food products are not required by federal law, except for infant formula. When they're used, they usually indicate that the food should have its best taste and texture up until that date. It is an assurance of quality, not an assurance of safety. 1.

Do I need to update my credit card expiration date? ›

Will Cards Still Work After They Expire? They will not continue to work, so it is important to update online accounts that might be paid automatically with your credit card. For those accounts, you simply need to update the expiration date, the CVV, and possibly the card number, though that usually remains the same.

What happens if you never use a new credit card? ›

If you skip card activation and don't use your card, you're still responsible to pay for the annual fee. Missing the annual fee payment can hurt your credit score since payment history is the most important factor in calculating your score.

Do banks automatically send new credit cards? ›

In most cases, you automatically receive a new credit card in the mail when your old one expires.

How to read an 8 digit expiration date? ›

Next, locate the 8-digit letter/number sequence. The last 5 numbers in that sequence will be your Julian date calendar code. In the example photo provided, the numbers are “24820.” The first three numbers identify the month and day, and the last 2 numbers identify the year this product was canned.

Is the expiry date inclusive or exclusive? ›

In a normally drafted contract, dates are inclusive. So an “expiry date” is the last date the contract was in force, expiring just before midnight of the next day. Most contracts don't usually need such precision in their timekeeping but some, such as contracts for financial products, do.

What happens to an old credit card after an upgrade? ›

When you upgrade your credit card, you typically keep your existing credit card number and account number. But your card and account will be subject to the terms and conditions of the new card. If your new card earns rewards, for example, you'll be able to earn those rewards once you switch to the new card.

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