Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
A credit card typically expires three to five years after it is issued, but the exact length of time depends on the issuer. The expiration date on a card will show a month and a year, and the card expires on the last day of the month.
Key Facts About Credit Card Expiration
- Security Reasons: Credit card expiration helps ensure the card’s security, allowing the issuer to regularly update the card with new features, such as more secure chip technology.
- Wear and Tear: Physical deterioration of the card is another reason for expiration. Over time, cards can become worn, making them harder to swipe or insert into terminals.
- Automatic Renewal: When a card expires, most issuers automatically send a replacement card a few weeks before the expiration date. The card number usually stays the same, but the expiration date and security code change.
Credit cards usually continue to function until the end of the expiration month printed on the card. After that, the card is no longer valid for purchases, and the cardholder must use the replacement card.
The new card will come with a number to call or a website to visit in order to activate the new card, which you should do as soon as possible. Then, cut the old card up and throw it away (or mail it back to the issuer for disposal if it’s metal).
People also ask
Do credit cards expire every 4 years?
No, not all credit cards expire every 4 years. The expiration date of a credit card varies depending on the issuer, and typically falls within a 3-5 years period from the date that the card was issued. Your credit card's specific expiration date should be located on the front of the card, below the 15 or 16-digit number.
Having an expiration date on a credit card serves as a security feature because it gives payment processors one...
read full answer by John Miller, Credit Cards ModeratorIn how many years does a debit card expire?
Typically, a debit card expires 2 to 5 years after it's issued. The exact duration can vary depending on the issuing bank. You can find the expiration date printed on the front of your card, usually in the format MM/YY. For example, if your card shows "08/25," it will expire at the end of August 2025.
Once a debit card expires, you won't be able to use it for transactions. Your bank or credit union...
read full answer by Alexandra Barring, Banking ModeratorWhat is the longest expiration date for a credit card?
The longest expiration date for a credit card is typically five years after it is issued. To know when your credit card will expire, look at the front of the card for the date, usually shown in MM/YY format. The expiration date marks the end of that month. When your card is about to expire, you'll typically receive a new one automatically from your credit card issuer. Just keep an eye on the expiration date, and...
read full answer by John Miller, Credit Cards ModeratorDid we answer your question?
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