What to know about credit card expiration dates

Is it almost time for your credit card to expire? Wondering what happens when you finally reach the expiration date? Not to worry.

Here’s a quick rundown about your credit card’s expiration, including what typically happens at Capital One, and some information to help the transition to your new credit card go smoothly. 

Key takeaways

• Credit cards generally expire after two to four years.
• Credit cards usually don’t work after their expiration date, but the account they’re attached to is still active.
• Your credit card issuer will typically mail your new credit card ahead of the old card’s expiration date, so it’s a good idea to make sure the address on your account is up to date.
• You can usually activate your new credit card by signing in to your account online, using your card issuer’s app or calling the activation number.

The expiration date for your credit card is the two-digit month and two-digit year on the front or back of the card. For Capital One credit cards, it’s typically on the back next to the security code. 

The expiration date indicates when your current credit card will no longer be functional. It’s not the same as the CVV, the three-digit number on the front or back of your credit card that’s often used for security purposes.

After the final day of the listed month, the card will expire, and you’ll need to activate the new one your credit card issuer sends you to continue accessing your line of credit. For example, if your credit card expiration date reads “03/27,” it means the card won’t be usable after March 31, 2027. By April 1, you’ll need to activate the new card.

Credit card issuers are constantly working to update and improve the functionality and security of their credit cards. You likely have noticed credit cards often going beyond magnetic stripes, adding chips and tap-to-pay technology.

Credit cards also wear out over time. Expiration dates offer an opportunity to replace credit cards that may have random bends, folds, scrapes and scratches. For example, if the chip on the front has faded, it could affect your ability to use your credit card.

Expiration dates can be another way to help prevent credit card fraud. For instance, you may be asked to confirm your expiration date when completing a transaction where your credit card isn’t physically present, like for an online order. If a fraudster has your credit card number but doesn’t have the expiration date, they may not be able to complete any fraudulent transactions. 

Credit cards generally need to be replaced every two to four years, depending on the issuer. 

Keep in mind, whether you’ve activated a new replacement credit card or not, your old card may continue to work until your actual credit card expiration date. So it’s a good idea to shred or cut up the old card once you’ve activated the new one.

Debit card expiration dates work pretty much the same way that credit card expiration dates do. When your expiration date is approaching, your bank should send out a replacement card to arrive before your current card expires.

Typically, credit cards don’t work after their expiration date. Just keep in mind that even if your physical card has expired and you haven’t activated your new card, your credit card account is still active. An expired or inactive card won’t affect your balance, so you’re still required to make the minimum payments.

As your credit card expiration date approaches, make sure your contact information and mailing address are up to date. That’s because most issuers, including Capital One, will mail you your replacement credit card.

If you’re a Capital One cardholder, you’ll start receiving emails a few months before your credit card expires, reminding you to confirm your mailing address. You also can sign in to your credit card account anytime to update your information.

But Capital One will be with you at every step. You’ll know when your new credit card is on its way and which information on your card is changing. And you’ll also have a starter list of merchants where you may need to update your payment information.

And don’t forget all the other digital features Capital One has to help: 

• Eno, your Capital One assistant, looks out for you and your money and notifies you if something new or unusual happens on your account.
• The Capital One Mobile app and your online account give you 24/7 access to virtual card information. While you wait for your replacement for your physical credit card to arrive, you can use that info to update recurring merchants, refresh mobile wallets and shop online.
• Virtual card numbers let you keep your actual credit card number private from where you use your card, and these virtual card numbers keep working after you get your replacement credit card. So there’s no need to manually update your credit card information on sites where you’ve stored a virtual card number.
• Your replacement credit card may be equipped with contactless technology. It allows you to check out faster and securely by simply holding or tapping your credit card on enabled card readers.

Once your information is updated and your new credit card is activated—more on this below—you can dispose of your expired card. 

If you have a plastic credit card, you can cut or shred it before you get rid of it. If you have a metal credit card, it may be too thick to be cut by most scissors or home shredders.

If it’s a metal credit card from Capital One, you can mail it back. Capital One will happily destroy it for you through a secure process. Just use the return envelope that comes with your replacement credit card to mail back the expired card. The process is quick and easy because postage is already included on the envelope.

All issuers are different, but many aim to have a new credit card to you before your card expires. Capital One will stay in communication with you throughout the months leading up to your credit card expiration date.

Around three months before your Capital One credit card expires, you’ll get an email reminding you to make sure your mailing address is up to date. About a month later, you should get another email letting you know your new card is on its way. 

You can expect to have your new Capital One credit card around four weeks before your old one expires. If you haven’t gotten it by then, you can call 800-227-4825.

Your replacement credit card should come with instructions about how to activate it. This usually involves calling the activation number or signing in to your account online or on an app. The activation process is the same at Capital One if you have to replace your credit card because it expired or was lost, stolen or damaged.

With Capital One, all it takes is a few taps in the mobile app, and your credit card will be ready to use. You can also activate your new card online. 

Have authorized users on your Capital One account? You’ll receive their replacement credit cards as well. And activating your card automatically activates theirs.

Remember: Your old credit card may continue to work until the day it expires, so be sure to dispose of it properly.

If you don’t activate your new credit card right away, it won’t affect your account status. Your account will still be open, and you’ll be responsible for payments. But keep in mind, your old credit card may not work if it’s expired.

The sooner you activate your new credit card, the more time you’ll have to update your recurring charges. That’s especially helpful if you have things like utility or phone bills set to autopay each month.

Having a list of recurring charges might make it easier if you have to track down passwords and due dates for different online accounts and websites. Some merchants may not appear or may not be paid monthly, so be sure to check several months of full statements. 

And remember, one of the benefits of using virtual card numbers for subscriptions and recurring payments is you don’t have to deal with the hassle of updating your payment info if your actual card number changes. 

When it comes to replacing your expired card and managing your account, Capital One has you covered. Got your new credit card? You can activate it online right now.

Interested in using a digital wallet instead of carrying a physical card? Digital wallets let you pay for things without having to carry physical credit cards or cash. Learn more about how digital wallets work.