What Happens When a Credit Card Expires?

A credit card expiration date marks the point at which the physical card itself is no longer valid for transactions. This date serves as a routine security feature, helping to prevent unauthorized use and encouraging periodic updates to card technology. The expiration date applies only to the physical card, not to the credit card account itself, which remains open and active.

The Expiration Process

When a credit card reaches its expiration date, the physical card will no longer function for purchases, whether in-person or online. However, the associated credit card account remains active and open. This means your credit line and account history are unaffected, as the expiration is tied to the physical card, not the underlying financial account.

Credit card issuers typically manage this process by automatically sending a new, updated card to the cardholder. This replacement usually arrives several weeks before the current card’s expiration. The new card will feature an updated expiration date and a new Card Verification Value (CVV) or security code. While these details change, the credit card account number often remains the same.

This periodic replacement serves multiple purposes for both card issuers and cardholders. It helps combat fraud by regularly updating security features on the physical card, such as EMV chips. It also addresses the normal wear and tear that physical cards experience from frequent use, ensuring continued usability. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for issuers to introduce new card designs or technology updates.

Steps for Your New Card

Upon receiving your new credit card, activating it is a primary step to ensure uninterrupted use. Most issuers provide simple activation methods. These commonly include calling a toll-free number provided on a sticker on the card or logging into your issuer’s online portal or mobile banking app. Activation typically involves verifying your identity.

After activating the new card, it is important to update its details wherever your old card information was saved. This includes recurring payments for utilities, subscriptions, and any online shopping accounts where your card details are stored. Updating these details prevents declined transactions and service interruptions. While some merchants may automatically receive updated card information through network services, it is prudent to manually check and update these accounts.

Securely disposing of your old, expired credit card is important to protect your personal financial information. For plastic cards, this involves cutting through the magnetic strip, the EMV chip, and the account number in multiple places, ideally using a cross-cut shredder or scissors. For metal cards, which are more difficult to destroy yourself, contact your card issuer. They often provide a prepaid envelope for safe return and disposal.