Can I Still Use My Credit Card If It Expires This Month?
Understand your credit card's usability as it approaches expiration and navigate the replacement process.
Credit cards have an expiration date, leading to questions about their usability as it nears. Understanding how credit card expiration works helps consumers avoid unexpected declines and ensures uninterrupted account access. This article addresses card usability around the expiration date and what to expect during the replacement process.
Immediate Card Usage
A credit card with an expiration date in the current month is usable for purchases throughout the entire month. The “MM/YY” format printed on the card indicates the month and year it becomes invalid. For instance, a card showing “08/25” is active until the last day of August 2025.
The card ceases to function on the first day of the following month. While most in-person and online transactions process successfully until the last day, some merchant systems or automated payment platforms might have stricter checks that lead to a decline. The expiration date serves as a security measure, verifying that the card information is current and valid.
Receiving Your New Card
Credit card issuers send a replacement card automatically, often 30 to 60 days before the existing card’s expiration month. This ensures a seamless transition and continuous access to your credit line. The new card retains the same account number but features an updated expiration date and a new Card Verification Value (CVV) security code.
Upon receiving your new card, activate it following the issuer’s instructions. Instructions are found in the accompanying letter or on a sticker affixed to the card. If a new card does not arrive before the expiration date, contact your card issuer to inquire about its status and arrange for a replacement.
Essential Steps After Card Replacement
Once your new credit card arrives and is activated, updating recurring payments and subscriptions is important. Services like streaming platforms, utility bills, or online shopping accounts store card details, which need updating with the new expiration date and CVV. Some card issuers offer automatic update services that notify merchants of your new card details, preventing payment interruptions.
Proper disposal of the old, expired card protects your financial information. For plastic cards, shredding or cutting through the magnetic stripe, chip, and account number into multiple pieces is recommended. Metal credit cards, being more durable, often require return to the card issuer for secure disposal.