Credit card expiration dates are one of the key features of every credit card and exist to help secure the card.
Here's why there is an expiration date, how they work, and what you should do when your credit card expires.
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Key takeaways
- Credit card expiration dates are a form of protection and help your card stay in working order.
- Once expired, the card will no longer work, and you'll be issued with a replacement card.
- You will need to activate the replacement and update any automated payments to avoid disruption.
What the credit card expiry date means
The credit card expiration date is when a credit card will no longer be valid. This date is typically represented as a numerical month and year on the front near the long number and the cardholder's name.
For example, an expiration date of 07/25 means the card will expire on 31st July, 2025.
Why credit cards have expiry dates
There are several reasons why credit cards expire.
Fraud protection
One of the primary reasons for credit card expiration dates is to protect against fraud.
When making online or telephone purchases, consumers must enter or provide their credit card's expiration date and other information, such as their name, billing address, and card verification code (CVC).
This means it is more difficult for someone attempting to make a fraudulent purchase using your credit card without having the physical card in their possession since they may not know all the details required.
Natural wear and tear
The vast majority of credit cards are made from plastic, but after months or years of use, they can show wear and tear. Usually this manifests as the numbers becoming hard to read on the front and back, delamination around the edges, the magnetic strip wearing down, the signature smudging, and damage to the chip.
Replacing the card regularly means the customer can continue to use their card.
Make way for updated card technology
Credit card technology has evolved over time, making the cards easier and more secure. For example, most credit cards have microchips, which can be easily used with chip readers for tap-and-go payments.
By issuing a replacement card, the bank can plan ahead for the implementation of new credit card payment and security technologies.
What happens after a credit card expires?
This is what you need to do when a credit card expires.
The old card will stop working
If your credit card has been declined, this may explain why. Your credit card company will send you a new credit card as the expiration date approaches. The existing card will continue to work right up to the expiration date, or until the replacement has been activated.
Activate the replacement card and destroy the old one
You should have received a replacement card in the weeks leading up to the expiration date. If you haven't received the replacement yet, contact the bank.
Depending on the issuer, it's possible that the replacement card must be activated before it can be used. Destroy and discard the old card. You do not need to return it to the bank.
Update any automatic payments
Lastly, you may need to update your automatic payments with the new card information. For example, you may have automated payments set up on streaming services or saved the old credit card in your browser's auto-fill function. These should be updated with the new card's details.
