How to check if the card is valid or not?

How to Check if Your Credit Card is Valid

Worried about whether your credit card is still active? It’s a valid concern, especially if you haven’t used it in a while. Before you find yourself in an embarrassing situation at the checkout, here’s a quick and easy way to check your card’s validity.

The most straightforward method involves a simple visual inspection of your card’s front. Look for the expiration date. It’s usually embossed or printed near your name or the card number. The date follows an MM/YY format, where MM represents the month (01 for January, 02 for February, and so on) and YY represents the year. For example, 06/24 indicates an expiration date of June 2024.

Now, compare this date to the current month and year. If the expiration date is after the current month and year, your card is valid. For instance, if it’s currently March 2024, and your card expires in 06/24 (June 2024), your card is still good. However, if the expiration date is before the current month and year, the card has expired and is no longer valid. If the month matches the current month, but the year is in the past, the card is also expired.

While checking the expiration date confirms the card’s validity period, it doesn’t guarantee the card’s usability. Other factors can impact a card’s functionality, such as:

• Account closure: The account associated with the card may have been closed due to inactivity, fraud, or other reasons.
• Card being reported lost or stolen: If you reported your card lost or stolen, it would have been deactivated, even if the expiration date is still valid.
• Outstanding balance or payment issues: Problems with your account, such as an outstanding balance or declined payments, might restrict card usage.

Therefore, while checking the expiration date is the first step, it’s advisable to periodically check your account balance and transaction history online or through your bank’s mobile app. This provides a more comprehensive view of your card’s status and helps identify any potential issues promptly. If you have any doubts, contacting your card issuer is always the best course of action to ensure your card is in good standing.