If My Credit Card Expires This Month, Can I Use It?
Credit card expiring soon? Learn when you can still use it, what happens next, and how to effortlessly transition to your new card details.
Credit cards include an expiration date for various operational and security reasons. These dates help issuers manage the lifecycle of physical cards, which can experience wear and tear over time. They also provide an opportunity to integrate newer security features, such as updated EMV chips or contactless payment capabilities, into replacement cards. This built-in obsolescence helps maintain payment system integrity and protect cardholder data.
Using Your Card Up to Expiration
A credit card with an expiration date indicating a specific month and year is valid for use through the entire last day of that month. For instance, if a card shows an expiration of 08/25, it remains usable until August 31, 2025. This applies to both in-person transactions, where the card is swiped or inserted, and most online purchases.
When making online purchases, merchants typically require the card number, expiration date, and the Card Verification Value (CVV). While most systems will process transactions successfully up to the very end of the expiration month, some online vendors or subscription services might have systems that perform pre-authorization checks looking slightly beyond the current date, potentially causing issues. In rare cases, a transaction might be declined if the system anticipates the card’s imminent expiration.
What Happens When Your Card Expires
Once the calendar date passes the last day of the expiration month, the physical credit card becomes invalid for new transactions. Attempts to use it for purchases, whether in a store or online, will typically result in a declined transaction. This is because the card’s expiration date no longer matches the active parameters in the payment network.
The underlying credit card account does not close when the physical card expires. Your credit line, account balance, and payment due dates remain unchanged. However, any recurring payments or subscriptions linked to the expired card’s details, such as streaming services or utility bills, will fail. This can lead to service interruptions or late fees if the updated payment information is not provided.
Activating and Using Your New Card
Credit card issuers typically send a replacement card automatically before your current card expires, often arriving by mail one to two months prior. This new card usually has the same account number but features an updated expiration date and a new Card Verification Value (CVV). Upon receiving the new card, it is necessary to activate it before it can be used.
Activation methods commonly include calling a toll-free number provided with the card, logging into your issuer’s online portal, or using their mobile application. Activating the new card confirms receipt and helps prevent unauthorized use. After activation, it is advisable to safely dispose of the old, expired card by shredding it to protect sensitive information.
Updating Your Payment Information
After activating a new credit card, a crucial step is to update your payment information with any entities that have your card details on file. This includes online subscriptions for services like streaming, software, or mobile applications. Utility providers, gym memberships, and e-commerce websites where you have saved card details will also need to be updated.
Updating these details ensures uninterrupted service and prevents failed payments that could result in penalties or service suspension. Manually updating your card number, new expiration date, and CVV on each platform is the most reliable way to maintain smooth financial operations.