5 Min Read | September 15, 2022
What to Know About Credit Card Expiration Dates
All credit cards have expiration dates, but why? Here’s what to know about how long credit cards last, why they expire, and what happens after they expire.
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
At-A-Glance
A credit card’s expiration date only affects the card itself, not your credit card account.
Card expiration dates exist primarily to maintain security standards and prevent excessive wear and tear.
It’s important to activate your new replacement credit card when it comes in the mail.
What’s so perishable about that thin, 3.37-by-2.125-inch plastic rectangle resting harmlessly in your wallet that it needs an expiration date? Is it going to spoil, like milk left out in the summer sun? Will it start to grow mold like old bread?
Of course not. But credit card expiration dates do serve a purpose. Take a peek into how long credit cards last and why they expire in the first place.
What Is a Credit Card Expiration Date?
The expiration date on a credit card marks the time when a card will no longer be valid. It does not, however, mean your account is closed. Rather, it’s just the “shelf life” of that particular piece of plastic (or metal), used to determine when the card issuer should mail you a replacement card.
When Do Credit Cards Expire?
Credit cards usually expire anywhere from three to five years after being issued, depending on the card issuer. The expiration date will appear on your credit card in month/year format. For example, a credit card expiring in July 2025 would show “07/25.” The card remains active until the last day of the month listed. So, in this case, the card would be active through July 31, 2025.
Why Credit Cards Have Expiration Dates
Credit card companies use expiration dates for several purposes, from fraud protection to technology updates. Here are typical reasons for expiration dates:
- Fraud protection: Having an expiration date on a credit card helps provide one more layer of protection against fraudulent charges, whether you’re using it in person, online, or over the phone. How? The expiration date is an extra data point, along with credit card number, card member name, and card verification value (CVV), used to confirm the validity of the transaction and that you are the rightful user.
- Normal wear and tear: Think about how many times you take your credit card out of your wallet and then slide it back in, rubbing it against other cards and wallet items. Plastic breaks. Chips get worn out. Numbers fade away. An expiration date helps address normal wear and tear, as credit card companies maintain a vested interest in keeping your credit cards in good shape and functioning properly.
- Technology updates: Three years in calendar terms isn’t all that much. Three years of technological advancements could feel like three lifetimes. Expiration dates allow credit card companies to roll out technological improvements on a fairly steady basis to help ensure that cards meet up-to-date security standards. Recent tech upgrades for credit cards include the EMV or “chip” technology that allows you to insert your card into a chip reader rather than swiping it, and tap-to-pay, which enables you to simply tap your card against the card reader’s screen.
- New designs: When cards expire, they obviously need to be replaced. These replacements can help card issuers push out new card designs, which may include any rebranding of logos or name changes, color scheme changes, or simply a refreshed look.
- A chance to engage with the cardholder: When an expiration date approaches, the credit card company gets your attention again. For example, let’s say you paid off the balance of the card 18 months ago and never canceled it because you didn’t want to hurt your credit score. Getting a new card in the mail because the existing one is about to expire can serve as a reminder to decide whether the unused card is worth keeping. It can also act as inspiration to start using the card again.
How to Find Your Credit Card Expiration Date
Card expiration dates most frequently appear on the front of the card, but some credit card issuers will put the expiration date on the back of the card, depending on the design. In general, the expiration date will be located on the same side as the credit card number. Card expiration dates appear in a two-number format representing the month and year of expiration.
You typically won’t find the expiration date on your monthly statements or online account. If you come across ways to check your credit card expiration date online, be careful. Even if these credit card validation tools claim to be secure, it’s generally not a wise move to share information with an anonymous online server. Instead, take the safe route and contact your credit card issuer. They can help you identify your card’s expiration date and provide any other relevant information.
What Happens After a Credit Card Expires?
When a credit card passes its expiration date, the card itself is no longer active and is therefore invalid. If you try to use an expired card, the transaction will likely be declined. Your credit card account, however, remains open.
What to Do When a New Credit Card Arrives
In the weeks leading up to the expiration date, your credit card issuer should send you a new card in the mail. When you get your new card, you’ll want to:
- Activate it: The credit card company should provide instructions for how to activate your new card. That information is usually printed in a letter or on a peelable sticker affixed to the card.
- Update recurring payments: The new expiration date and CVV will be different from those on your old card, so it’s a good idea to update any automated payments that are charged to the account, such as payments for a phone bill, steaming subscription, or gym membership. Updating payment information can help you avoid discrepancies that could lead to declined payments.
- Cut up the old card and throw it away: Once you’ve updated all your recurring payments, you’ll want to ensure that you dispose of your old card correctly. Break out the scissors and cut the card into several pieces or run it through a shredder. For extra security measures, discard the pieces into a few different garbage cans. Depending on what your card is made of, your card issuer may offer you a return or recycling option. For example, they might send you a prepaid envelope to securely mail metal cards back. Otherwise, tin snips can be an effective way to destroy the old card for security purposes.
The Takeaway
Expiration dates on credit cards may seem unnecessary, at least in the ways we typically think of such deadlines. But they do come in handy for both the card members and the credit card companies, as they provide a steady, scheduled way to keep up with new security technologies and prevent excessive wear and tear.
Michael Grace is a personal finance and technology freelance writer based in New York.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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