Part of learning to manage your finances as a teen is understanding how debit and credit cards work. They're an everyday part of life; you use them to pay for most expenses, such as food and clothing. One thing you may notice on credit and debit cards is an expiration date. But what are credit and debit card expiration dates used for? Let's find out.
What is a debit and credit card expiration date?
Alldebit and credit cards have an expiration date with a month and year. It is in a 2-digit MM/YY format, such as 11/26 for November 2026. Usually, the final day you can use the card for purchases is the last day of the month. So, in our example, that would be November 30, 2026.
Online merchants usually ask for your card's expiration date during the purchase process. It's part of their verification system and ensures the payment details are accurate.
Where to find the expiration date on your debit card
So, where is the expiration date on a debit card?
Most debit cards show the expiration date on the back, where the mag strip (the black stripe on your card) and the cardholder name are. Sometimes, card issuers include the phrase "Valid Thru" just before the expiration date.
Some debit and credit cards include the expiration date on the front of the card in raised numbers. It depends on the bank’s policies.
Why do debit and credit cards have expiration dates?
There are a few reasons why banks include expiration dates on their credit and debit cards. However, it has nothing to do with your account’s status. You will still have an open bank or credit card account when your card expires.
First, your card gets a lot of use. It travels with you everywhere you go, whether it's in your jeans pocket or safely stored in your wallet. All the swiping and tapping takes its toll, accumulating usage that wears your card out. Card issuers know that, so they provide you with a refreshed card every few years or so.
Another reason for expiration dates is to update your card's security features. Banks are always looking for ways to improve security and minimize fraud. They tinker with debit and credit cards, applying new security features such as EMV chips and contactless technology to protect consumers.
Finally, your card's expiration date is a security feature in its own right. When you make an online or phone purchase, the vendor will request the expiration date to complete the purchase. During the verification process, your bank confirms all the details you provide, including the expiration date. They'll deny the transaction if it doesn't agree with their records. That helps prevent would-be fraudsters from stealing your card number and trying to buy things online with it.
When do debit and credit cards expire?
It depends on the card issuer. Most banks set their expiration dates between three and five years after their issue date. So, if you order a new card in 2023, it will probably expire sometime between 2025 and 2028.
Once your debit or credit card expires, you can't use it for any purchases. If you try to, it will fail the payment verification process. If you set up any automatic payments using your card, they will be declined — so it's important to update your card information for any subscriptions you have, like Netflix or Spotify.
Most banks will send you a new card a month or two before your card expires to the mailing address they have on file. You can call torequest a new card from your bank if you don’t receive one.
Debit and credit card expirations exist for a reason
The expiration date of your debit and credit cards helps keep your accounts secure and allows banks to replace your card with the newest technology. While it may be a hassle to update your card information for automatic payments, consider it a small price to pay for protecting your accounts.
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Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), Member FDIC.
FAQs
All debit and credit cards have an expiration date with a month and year. It is in a 2-digit MM/YY format, such as 11/26 for November 2026. Usually, the final day you can use the card for purchases is the last day of the month. So, in our example, that would be November 30, 2026.
How do debit card expiration dates work? ›
Debit cards typically expire within 2 to 5 years of their issue date and are good through last day of the expiration month printed on the front of the card. For instance, if your debit card's expiration date reads 08/23, then it will expire at the end of the day on August 31, 2023.
Do I automatically get a new debit card before it expires? ›
Generally, your bank will send you an updated debit card in the mail a month before yours expires. However, if that hasn't happened, keep these steps in mind: If you don't receive one as the expiration date draws closer, it's best to follow up with your bank about getting a new card.
When my card expires, do I need to update direct debits? ›
In most cases, if only your credit card expiry date has changed, your direct debit shouldn't be affected, but it will depend on how the company you are paying has set up your direct debit. If you're not sure, you may want to contact them.
What is the format for credit card expiration date? ›
Expiration dates appear on the front or back of a credit card in a two-digit month/year format. Credit cards expire at the end of the month written on the card. For example, a credit card's expiration date may read as 11/25, which means the card is active through the last day of November 2025.
Can I use my card on the month it expires? ›
A card may continue to work through the last day of the month indicated in its expiration date. But after that date, the card will most likely be declined if you attempt to use it for a purchase.
What happens to debit card after expiry date? ›
Introduction. An expired card is a debit/credit card that can no longer be used because its expiration date has passed. Such a card will be rejected if a consumer tries to use it to make a purchase.
What to do before debit card expires? ›
Most banks will send you a new card a month or two before your card expires to the mailing address they have on file. You can call to request a new card from your bank if you don't receive one.
Can I use my new debit card before the old one expires? ›
We'll send you a new card about 4 weeks before your current card expires. You can use this new card as soon as you've received it. We suggest destroying your old card.
How do I renew my expired debit card? ›
You can call the customer service number of your respective bank and request a debit card renewal through the call. Once your identity is verified, you will receive a new card within a month. It is not possible to use the debit card past its expiration date.
When your debit card reaches its expiration date or becomes damaged and unusable, it is crucial to dispose of it properly to protect your personal and financial information.
Will my bank automatically renew my debit card? ›
When your debit card's expiration date approaches, you'll get a notification from the bank. In most cases, the bank will automatically issue a new card and mail it to you within a few days. If not, you should get in touch with their customer service to request a renewal.
Can someone use my expired debit card? ›
While they won't be able to use the card to make transactions, someone could use the personal information listed on the card or the data stored in the card's magnetic strip to commit identity fraud. Instead of throwing your card away, you should destroy it first so that no one can use the information from your card.
What is the correct format for expiration date? ›
The standard format is MMDDYY, where “MM” refers to the month, “DD” refers to the date, and “YY” refers to the year. So if a product says 101525, it means that the product expires on October 15, 2025. Is it safe to buy food on its expiration date? Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to buy food on its expiration date.
When I get a new card, do I have to update everything? ›
Update your new card information with all merchants that bill your card automatically. Destroy any credit or debit cards with the old card number or expiration date. Destroy all convenience checks with your old credit card number, if applicable.
How to know debit card expiry date without card? ›
You can find your debit card expiry date by contacting your bank's customer care, checking online banking or net banking portal, using your bank's smartphone app, checking payment apps or digital wallets, referring to bank paperwork, or visiting the bank branch physically.
Does your debit card expire at the start or end of the month? ›
What happens when a debit card expires. Your card expires on the last day of the month shown on the front of the card. We'll post you a new card before your old card expires. Once you've received your new card, destroy your old one.
How are expiration dates determined on cards? ›
Credit card expiration dates are typically printed as a two-digit month followed by a two-digit year. The last day of the month printed is the last day that you can use your credit card to make new purchases. If you try to make a purchase on the first day of the following month, the transaction will be declined.
What does exp 01 23 mean? ›
Literally it means that it expires after that date which in your example means expires after Jan 2023 passes, hence the first day of the following month. It also most often reflects that the company's tests show that it will be at least 90% effective one year past that date.
What happens to subscriptions when your card expires? ›
If your credit card does expire, you will need to process a manual renewal before automatic payments can resume.
