Your credit card expires at the end of the month printed on the front

The expiration date on your card — the one that reads something like "05/27" — means your card stops working on the last day of that month. May 2027 ends on May 31st, so a card expiring 05/27 works through May 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. It does not work on June 1st.

The card itself is a physical object that will still be in your wallet on June 1st. But merchants' payment systems will reject any transaction you try to make with it. Your bank knows the expiration date and has already mailed you a replacement card — usually arriving two to three weeks before the old one expires.

This matters because you need to update any recurring charges (subscriptions, automatic bill payments, gym memberships) to the new card number before the old one stops working. If you do not, those payments will fail, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.

Key Takeaways

  • A card expiring 05/27 works through May 31, 2027, and stops working on June 1, 2027.
  • Your bank mails a replacement card two to three weeks before expiration, but you must update recurring charges yourself.
  • A failed payment on an expired card can trigger late fees, service cancellations, or a missed payment report to credit bureaus.
  • The expiration date protects you by limiting how long a stolen card number can be used, even if a thief has it.

Why credit cards expire in the first place

Expiration dates exist for security and logistics. A physical card can wear out, get damaged, or be lost — and a thief who steals your card number has a limited window to use it before the number becomes useless. Once your card expires, that number no longer works anywhere, even if someone has written it down.

Banks also use expiration as a moment to reissue your card with updated security features. Older cards might have a magnetic stripe only; newer ones have a chip. When your card expires, the replacement often includes the latest fraud-prevention technology available.

From a practical standpoint, expiration dates also force cardholders to confirm their address is still correct. When you receive the replacement card in the mail, you know your bank has your current location on file.

What happens if you try to use an expired card

In a store or restaurant, the payment terminal will decline the transaction when ready. The cashier will see a message indicating the card has expired, and you will need to provide a different payment method.

Online, the same thing happens — the payment processor rejects the charge before it ever reaches your bank. You will see an error message on the checkout page, usually something like "Card expired" or "Invalid expiration date."

For recurring charges (subscriptions, insurance premiums, loan payments), a failed transaction on an expired card can have real consequences. The merchant will attempt the charge, it will fail, and you may be charged a late fee or overdraft fee by your bank. If the charge is important — like a mortgage or insurance payment — missing it can damage your credit score or result in a lapsed policy.

How to update your recurring charges before expiration

Start by making a list of every recurring charge on your old card. This includes subscriptions (streaming services, software, apps), automatic bill payments (utilities, insurance, loans), gym memberships, and any other service that charges you monthly or on a schedule.

You can find these by reviewing your credit card statements from the past few months. Look for charges that repeat on the same date each month. Write down the merchant name, the charge amount, and the date it typically posts.

Once you have the list, log into each merchant's website or app and update the payment method to your new card. Most services have a "Billing" or "Payment Method" section in your account settings. You will need your new card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back).

Do this at least one week before your old card expires. This gives you time to catch any mistakes and contact customer service if a merchant's website is not accepting your new card number.

What to do with your old card after it expires

Do not throw it in the trash. Cut it in half or shred it to destroy the card number, expiration date, and CVV. This prevents someone from finding it in your garbage and attempting to use the number.

If your card was lost or stolen before it expired, contact your bank when ready and request a replacement. Do not wait for the regular expiration date — a compromised card should be replaced right away.

Keep the new card your bank sends you. It will arrive in the mail a few weeks before the old one expires. If it does not arrive within two weeks of the expiration date, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your current card and ask them to remail it or issue a rush replacement.

The difference between card expiration and account closure

Your credit card account does not close when the card expires. Only the physical card and its number stop working. Your account remains open, your credit limit stays the same, and your credit history with that card continues to build.

When your replacement card arrives, it will have a new number and a new expiration date, but it is the same account. Any rewards points, cash back, or promotional offers tied to the account carry over to the new card.

The only time an account closes is when you request it, when your bank closes it due to inactivity or fraud, or when you stop paying and the account goes to collections. A card expiring is a routine event, not an account closure.

Expiration dates and fraud protection

If your card number is stolen and used fraudulently, the expiration date limits the damage. Once your card expires, that stolen number becomes worthless to a thief. They cannot use it anywhere, even if they have it memorized or written down.

This is one reason why credit card companies ask for the expiration date and CVV when you make a purchase — these details are harder for a thief to obtain than the card number alone. A thief who only has your number but not the expiration date or CVV will have trouble making online purchases.

If you notice fraudulent charges on your statement, report them to your bank when ready. Federal law limits your liability to $50 for unauthorized charges, and most banks waive even that if you report the fraud promptly. Your bank will cancel the card and send you a replacement with a new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my card on the last day of the expiration month?

Yes. A card expiring 05/27 works through May 31, 2027. You can make purchases on May 31st up until 11:59 p.m. On June 1st, the card will be declined everywhere.

What if my replacement card arrives after my old card expires?

Contact your bank when ready. This is rare, but it happens. Your bank can issue a rush replacement or provide a temporary card number you can use for online purchases while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Do I need to update my billing address when my card expires?

No. Your billing address stays the same unless you move. The replacement card will be mailed to the address your bank has on file. If you have moved, update your address with your bank before the card expires so the replacement reaches you.

Will an expired card hurt my credit score?

The expiration itself does not hurt your score. However, if a recurring charge fails because you did not update your payment method, and you miss a payment as a result, that can damage your score. Updating your recurring charges before expiration prevents this problem.

Can I request a new card before the expiration date?

Yes. If your card is damaged, lost, or you believe it has been compromised, call your bank and request a replacement when ready. You do not have to wait for the expiration date. Your bank will send you a new card with a new number and expiration date.