What Is the MM on a Credit Card’s Expiration Date?
Understand your credit card's MM/YY expiration date. Learn its true purpose, how it ensures security, and what it means for your card's lifecycle.
Credit cards feature an expiration date, typically displayed in an “MM/YY” format, to ensure the physical card remains functional and secure. Understanding what these numbers signify helps cardholders manage transactions and avoid disruptions.
What MM and YY Represent
The “MM” on a credit card refers to the two-digit month, and “YY” represents the last two digits of the year. Together, they form the card’s expiration date, indicating the last month the card is valid for use. For instance, a card marked “10/26” is active through the entire month of October 2026. Transactions require this date for approval. The expiration date applies only to the physical card itself, not the credit account, which generally remains open.
Finding the Expiration Date
The expiration date is prominently displayed on the credit card. It is commonly embossed or printed on the front, often below the 16-digit card number. Some card issuers place this information on the back, near the security code (CVV). When making purchases online or over the phone, consumers are prompted to enter this “MM/YY” format to complete the transaction.
Why Expiration Dates Matter
Credit card expiration dates serve multiple purposes, primarily related to card validity and security. They ensure the physical card in use is current, as expired cards will be declined for purchases. Periodic card replacements enhance security by reducing fraud risk, as it necessitates the regular issuance of cards with updated security features and potentially new card verification values (CVVs). This process allows card issuers to update chip technology and maintain the latest security standards, benefiting both the cardholder and the financial institution.
Expiration Process and New Cards
Most card issuers automatically send a new credit card to the cardholder before the current one expires, typically a month or two in advance. This new card will feature an updated expiration date and often a new Card Verification Value (CVV) for security purposes, though the primary account number usually remains the same. Upon receiving a new card, cardholders should activate it promptly. It is also important to update any recurring payments or saved card details with online merchants to prevent service interruptions once the old card becomes invalid.