Credit Card Validity

You must keep a check on your credit card for its expiry date and confirm if it’s time to apply for renewal. A credit card typically expires after 3 years of activation. Once the expiration date passes and you get a new card, you also get a new CVV and expiry date. There are many reasons for this which include the wear and tear of the card, financial security, etc. Hence, it is crucial to stay mindful of your credit card validity.

You can find the credit card validity mentioned on the front or back of your card in the MM/YY format. Note that the credit card expires on the last day of the month mentioned on your card.

Hence, if the expiry month of your card is 10/23, it means that it is valid until the last day of October 2023.

Here’s everything you need to know about what happens in the backstage when your credit card expires:

• The bank processes your need for a new credit card 30-60 days before credit card expiry

• They allow you to use the credit card until the last day of the expiration month mentioned on your card

• You could choose to request your bank to courier your card to your registered address before the current credit card expires

• The new card will hold your new CVV number and expiry date

Note: Some banks may ask you to apply for credit card renewal online or offline. Please ensure that you are fully aware of the credit card renewal policy of your bank.

Here are all the reasons why a credit card expires:

1. Wear and Tear

Since a credit card is used very frequently, it is prone to wear out in 3-4 years. Hence, an upgrade in the physical credit card after expiry brings you a brand new card that you can continue to use for another set of years.

2. Security Against Fraud

You must have observed that every time you are asked for your credit card details during a purchase, the card number, CVV, and expiry date are requested. When your renewed credit card arrives, it comes with a new CVV and expiry date. Hence, the chances of online financial fraud are significantly reduced.

3. Upgraded Features

With constant updates happening behind the curtains, your renewed credit card can come with major upgrades. These can include advanced security features, smart chips, EMVs, etc.

Here are a few things to remember when it comes to the validity of your credit card:

• The credit card expiry date is only related to the physical card and not the credit card account

• The new valid card that is delivered in place of your existing card will have the same credit card limit and outstanding balance

• Banks update their terms and conditions and hence, stay on a constant lookout for updates during renewals
  

• You might need to generate a new credit card PIN to operate the card