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Your Card Won’t “Go Bad,” But You Still Need to Know the Expiration Date

Many people use credit cards to supplement their incomes, and it will be challenging to find someone who does not have a credit card today. Credit cards have a bad reputation due to misuse, but if you know how to use them properly, they can be a valuable financial tool. 

Unfortunately, despite the prevalent use of credit cards, most people still do not know their credit cards have an expiration date. Credit cards are not like fruit; they will not go bad, but they are not usable forever. The following are several things you should know about a credit card expiration date: 

What Is A Credit Card Expiration Date? 

A credit card expiration date is when the credit card stops being valid for use. Once the card expires, you will have to get a replacement. When a credit card expires, it does not mean your credit account is closed. However, it does mean that you have to get a new card to use your credit account. The credit card issuer only invalidates the card, but the account remains active. The expiration date is often in a two-number format, e.g., 08/25. The first number is the month (August), and the second number is the year (2025), meaning the card will expire on the last day of August 2025.

What Happens When A Credit Card Expires?

Credit cards typically expire three to five years from the date of issuance. As we have seen, a credit card expiration means that you need a new card to operate your credit account with the issuer. If you try to use the card, you will receive a declined notice from the bank. 

The issuer should be preparing for the expiration behind the scenes, so when your card expires, they should send you another card via the mail within 30 to 60 days of the expiration date. The card will usually arrive in a plain white envelope as a theft deterrent. Therefore, be ready and look out for the envelope in the mail. 

According to credit card expiration date rules, you should receive notice of the expiration from the bank so you can close your credit account if necessary. The credit card number will usually stay the same, but it will have a new expiration date and new card verification value (CVV) security code.

What Do You Do When You Get The New Card? 

When you get your new card, the first thing you should do is activate the card. Activating a credit card will typically involve contacting the issuer’s customer care and asking them to activate your card. You may have to confirm your identity, so have your details ready. 

The easiest way to activate your new credit card is often to do it yourself online. Log into your online account and self-activate the card. You should also review the new card’s terms, like the APR, credit limit, and due dates, to ensure they are right. 

What Do You Do With The New Credit Card? 

Once you get your new credit card, you should dispose of your old card. Many experts recommend shredding the card completely, so it does not fall into the wrong hands.

Malevolent can use the card for credit card fraud which is a serious crime and for which you will be liable. Recycling a plastic credit card is an excellent idea to minimize waste. If you have a metal card, consider sending it back to the bank or issuer.

It would be best to learn as much as possible about your credit card. The above are a few answers to people’s questions about credit card expirations. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to find out more about the topic.

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