What you need to know about credit card expiration dates

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.

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