What Happens When Your Debit Card Expires? Answered

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When Does a Debit Card Expire?

All debit cards have an expiration date listed on the front of the card near the cardholder’s name. The expiration date is a month and a year. Your debit card is valid through the last day of the expiration month.

Before your debit card expires, your bank should automatically send you a new card in the mail — as long as your account is still active and in good standing. The bank will send the card to the address it has on file sometime within the expiration month. Most banks send new cards out around 45 days before the end of the expiration month so that the card will arrive at the beginning of the expiration month — leaving you plenty of time to activate the new card and begin using it before the old one is no longer valid.

If the bank is not going to issue you a new card due to account inactivity or another issue, you should receive written notice in the mail before your card is set to expire. If the bank has already frozen or closed your account, see our related article for information on what to do.

Prepaid Debit Card Expiration Dates

Like traditional debit cards, prepaid debit cards also have expiration dates. The expiration date (a month and a year) will appear on the front of the card and is typically one year from the creation of the prepaid debit account. Prepaid debit cards expire on the last day of the expiration month.

Keep in mind, your funds do not expire when the card expires. While rules vary by the prepaid card issuer, you should be entitled to a new card or refund of the remaining balance. Details of renewal and post-expiration fund policies will be in your cardholder agreement.

What Happens When Your Debit Card Expires?

If your new card does not automatically arrive within the expiration month, you’ll need to visit a  local bank branch or contact the bank’s customer service department for assistance. (We have more details on how to get a new debit card at each of the major U.S. banks below.) A bank employee or customer service representative can issue you a new card by mail, which should arrive within about a week. Select banks also offer instant-issue debit cards at branch locations.

If you don’t get a new debit card before the last day of the expiration month, you will no longer have a working debit card. You can, however, still access your checking account by visiting a bank branch or using mobile or online banking. Some banks will issue a temporary ATM or debit card so you can still make purchases and withdrawals.

When your new card arrives, be sure to activate it, sign the back, and destroy the old card. You should also update your card information with any stores or retailers that have the old card’s information saved for payments or automatic billing.

To withdraw the funds in your account or close your account after your card has expired, you’ll need to visit a bank branch. Upon closing your account, you’ll receive cash or a check for your remaining account balance, minus any fees related to your account standing or the closure of your account.

How to Get a New Debit Card

All of the banks listed here will automatically send you a new card before your card expires as long as your account is in good standing. If you do not receive a new card in the mail, you’ll need to request a new card by phone or by visiting a branch. Some banks also have the option to request a replacement card online.

We’ve detailed how to request and activate a new card for each of the major U.S. banks, as well as how to access your money if your card expires before the new one arrives.

Ally Bank

• How to request a new card: Call Ally Bank at (877) 247-2559
• Processing time: Up to 10 business days
• Account access: Since Ally Bank does not have physical bank locations, you will not be able to get a temporary debit or ATM card while you wait for your new card to arrive. You can use checks or transfers for bill payments and other purchases and can continue to access your account through online banking or the Ally mobile app.
• New card activation: Your new card will include a sticker listing the phone number you should call to activate the card. As a security measure, you must call from the phone number that Ally has on file for your account. You will need to enter the last four digits of your card number, the new card’s expiration date, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to activate the card.

Axos Bank

• How to request a new card: First call customer service at (855) 232-2967. Then, you can log in to your online account, click on the “Forms” tab, download and complete the Visa Check Card Request Form 270, and upload the form to the “Upload Your Forms” section of the page.
• Processing time: About 10 business days
• Account access: Since Axos does not have physical bank branches, you will not be able to get a temporary debit or ATM card while you wait for the new card to arrive. You can use mobile banking to pay bills.
• New card activation: The new card will come with instructions for activation and PIN generation.

Bank of America

• How to request a new card: Visit a Bank of America location, sign in to your online banking account, or call (800) 432-1000 to request a new debit card.
• Processing time: Four to six business days
• Account access: In the Bank of America mobile app, you can request a digital version of your new card and add it to your digital wallet before the physical card arrives. You can also access your account at any Bank of America branch.
• New card activation: You can either sign in online, use the mobile app, use the card with your current PIN at a Bank of America ATM, or call (888) 624-2323 to activate your new card.

Bank of the West

• How to request a new card: You can request a new card online by logging in to online banking or by calling customer service at (800) 488-2265.
• Processing time: Five to seven business days
• Account access: You can access your account at a branch or through online banking while you wait for your new debit card to arrive.
• New card activation: You can activate your card by phone or by logging in to your online account.

BBVA Compass

• How to request a new card: Call (844) 228-2872 to request a new card; you can also visit your local branch.
• Processing time: Seven to 10 business days
• Account access: If you live in a state with BBVA branches (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, or Texas), you may be able to get a temporary replacement card. If not, you can manage most of your account capabilities (i.e., bill payments) online with mobile banking while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.
• New card activation: The new card will come with instructions for activation and PIN generation; typically, you can call BBVA to activate the card and/or create a new PIN using your online account

BB&T

• How to request a new card: You can request a new card through your mobile banking account, online banking account, by visiting your local branch, or by calling (800) 226-5228.
• Processing time: Usually within seven business days
• Account access: BB&T issues temporary debit cards. You can also manage your account through online banking or by visiting a branch to access your funds.
• New card activation: Call the number listed on the activation sticker on the card.

Capital One

• How to request a new card: Sign in at CapitalOne.com or on the Capital One app. Select the account associated with the card, then choose “Account Services & Settings” online or “Debit Card Help” in the app. Follow the instructions to request a lost card replacement.
• Processing time: Up to 10 business days; tracking will be available for your debit card when you request to replace a lost card
• Account access: You may be able to get a temporary debit card by visiting a local branch if you originally opened your account at a branch. You can also manage your account through online banking or the Capital One mobile app.
• New card activation: Sign in at CapitalOne.com or on the Capital One app. Choose the account associated with the card and click “Activate Debit Card.” You will need to enter the expiration date and PIN to activate the card.

Chase Bank

• How to request a new card: Visit a branch, call the customer service number on your checking account statement, or log in to online banking and request a replacement card; if requesting a card online, note “didn’t receive card” as the reason for your replacement.
• Processing time: Seven to 10 business days
• Account access: Visit a branch for a temporary ATM card. You can also manage your account at a branch, through online banking, or through the Chase mobile app.
• New card activation: Your new debit card will include a sticker; call the number listed on the sticker or the number on the back of the card to activate it. You may also use your new card with your current PIN at any Chase Bank ATM.

Citibank

• How to request a new card: Log in to your Citibank account and choose online chat or call Citi at (800) 374-9700. Or you can visit your local Citibank branch.
  
• Processing time: Seven to 10 days
• Account access: You can access your account through online banking, the Citi Mobile app, or a local branch. Your local branch may offer a temporary ATM or debit card.
• New card activation: Call the number on the back of your new card to activate it.

Citizens Bank

• How to request a new card: Contact Citizens Bank by calling (800) 922-9999 or visit a local branch.
• Processing time: Usually within seven business days
• Account access: You can access your account by visiting a branch or through online banking. Citizens Bank does not offer temporary debit cards.
• New card activation: Call the number listed on the new card’s sticker, make a purchase with your debit card using your current PIN, or use your current PIN and new card at a Citizens Bank ATM.

Discover

• How to request a new card: Call Discover at (800) 347-7000.
• Processing time: Within 10 days
• Account access: Since Discover does not have physical bank locations, you will not be able to pick up a temporary debit or ATM card. You can access your account through online banking or through the mobile app.
• New card activation: Log in to your online Account Center and select “Activate Debit Card” in the Customer Service menu or call (877) 347-4055

Fifth Third Bank

• How to request a new card: Visit your nearest branch or call (800) 972-3030.
• Processing time: Five to seven business days
• Account access: You can access your account at a branch and through mobile or online banking.
• New card activation: You can activate your card online at 53.com, through the mobile app, or by calling (800) 621-2554.

HSBC

• How to request a new card: Visit your local branch, use live chat on HSBC’s website, or call customer service at (800) 975-4722.
• Processing time: Seven to 10 days
• Account access: You can manage your account and conduct transactions through the mobile app, online banking, or at a branch location.
• New card activation: Your new card will include an activation sticker with instructions for activation; you can activate your card online or by phone.

Huntington Bank

• How to request a new card: Call customer service at (800) 480-2265.
• Processing time: Five to seven business days
• Account access: You may be able to get a temporary debit or ATM card at your local branch; most branches (about 85% of those we checked) offer this service, but it’s best to call your local branch to confirm that you can get a temporary card before visiting. Otherwise, you can access your account at a teller or through online and mobile banking.
• New card activation: Log in to your online banking account at Huntington.com, select the “Customer Service” tab, select “Card Services” and then click “Activate My Debit Card.” You may also visit a branch or activate your card by calling customer service at (800) 480-2265.

PNC Bank

• Request a new card: Visit your local branch or call customer service at (888) 762-2265.
• Processing time: Most PNC branches (including about 90% of those we contacted) can print a card for you immediately. Mailed cards should arrive within five to seven business days.
• Account access: You can conduct transactions and manage your account by using online and mobile banking or by visiting your local branch.
• New card activation: Call the phone number on your new card’s sticker or use your current PIN with your new card at a PNC ATM.

Regions

• How to request a new card: Log in to online banking and select “Order a Replacement Card” under the Card Services section of the Customer Service tab.
• Processing time: Five to seven business days
• Account access: Regions does not offer temporary debit cards. You can access your account at a bank branch, online, or through the bank’s mobile app.
• New card activation: Log in to your online banking account, select the Customer Service tab, and click “Activate a Card” in the Card Services section. You’ll need to enter the full card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and the card’s expiration date.

TCF Bank

• How to request a new card: Visit a branch or call TCF Bank at (800) 823-2265.
• Processing time: If you visit a branch, you can get your replacement card immediately. Mailed debit cards will arrive in seven to 10 days.
• Account access: Representatives recommend that you visit a branch for a replacement card if you need to continue using your card immediately. However, while waiting for a card to arrive by mail you can access your account online, through the TCF Bank app, or at the teller.
• New card activation: By phone, using the number on the sticker that your new card arrives with, or by making a deposit, withdrawal, or balance inquiry at a TCF Bank ATM

TD Bank

• How to request a new card: Visit your nearest TD Bank branch or contact a banking specialist at (888) 751-9000.
• Processing time: Seven to 10 business days if you order a card by phone; you’ll receive your new card on the spot if you visit a branch
• Account access: You can access your account through online banking, at the teller, or through the TD Bank app. If you visit the branch for a replacement card while your card is in the mail, you will need to ask the branch to cancel the card that is being mailed.
• New card activation: Call the phone number listed on the sticker on your new card and follow the prompts to activate your card. After activation, remove the sticker and sign the back of the card. You may also activate the card by visiting a TD Bank branch.

USAA

• How to request a new card: Log in to your account at USAA.com or call USAA at (210) 531-8722.
• Processing time: Seven to 10 days
• Account access: USAA does not offer temporary debit cards. You can access your account through online banking, teller transactions, and the USAA Mobile app.
• New card activation: Log in to mobile banking at USAA’s website; you can find the activation link in the Card Activation FAQs

U.S. Bank

• How to request a new card: Visit your local U.S. Bank branch or call customer service at (800) 872-2657.
• Processing time: Three to eight business days
• Account access: U.S. Bank offers a temporary debit card if you visit a local branch. You can also access your account online, at a branch, or through the U.S. Bank app.
• New card activation: Your new card will include an activation sticker. Call the number on that sticker and follow the prompts to activate your card.

Wells Fargo

• How to request a new card: Call Wells Fargo at (800) 869-3557 for assistance in replacing your card.
• Processing time: Five to seven days
• Account access: Wells Fargo offers a temporary instant-issue debit card so you can access your account while you wait for your new replacement card to arrive. Visit a Wells Fargo branch to request a temporary card. You can also access your account through teller transactions and online and mobile banking.
• New card activation: You may activate your card online, in the Wells Fargo app, at a Wells Fargo ATM, or by phone at (877) 294-6933.

How to Get a New Prepaid Debit Card

The renewal process for prepaid debit cards sometimes works differently than for traditional debit cards. You may need to request a replacement card to continue using your account or close your account and request a refund of the remaining funds. There are, however, some prepaid cards that automatically renew. You will receive your new card in the mail during your card’s expiration month. The following cards offer automatic renewal, as long as your account is active and in good standing:

• AAA MemberPay Visa Prepaid Card
• AccountNow Gold Visa Prepaid Card
• BB&T Prepaid Debit Card
• Bluebird by American Express & Walmart
• Cash App Cash Card
• Commerce Bank mySpending Card
• Green Dot Prepaid Card
• H&R Block Emerald Card (Note: You may receive a refund check rather than a replacement card; expiration decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.)
• Kroger REWARDS Prepaid Card
• Money Network Card
• PayPal Prepaid Mastercard
• PNC SmartAccess Prepaid Visa Card
• Ralphs Rewards Prepaid Visa
• Regions Now Card
• TD Go Reloadable Prepaid Card
• TD Connect Reloadable Prepaid Card
• Xpectations! Visa Prepaid Card

The following prepaid debit cards allow you to request a replacement before your card expires:

• American Express Serve
• MyVanilla Prepaid Mastercard
• MyVanilla Prepaid Mastercard
• Payoneer Prepaid Card