Aside from the long string of numbers that serves to identify your account, a short series of numbers makes up the expiration date of your credit card. Many people are unaware of the expiration date of their credit card but the credit card approval network knows exactly when credit cards expire.

There are several reasons that credit cards have expiration dates and some of those reasons are mentioned below:

*Credit cards expire because the magnetic strip attached on the back of each credit card will eventually wear out. Once your credit card's magnetic strip wears out, credit card terminals and ATMs will not be able to read your card and process your transactions.

*Credit cards have expiration dates so credit card companies can get in touch with their customers in a timely manner. This time can be used by the company to inquire about any issues or complaints that the customer has. If your credit card were about to expire, you would receive a reminder from your credit card company with an option to renew with them.

*Credit cards expire for the security of cardholders. An expiration date allows the credit card companies to make sure that you are who say you are and that there have been no fraudulent activities associated with your credit card. With identity theft on the rise, this is not a bad thing. There have been instances when credit cards have been opened in someone's name without him or her knowing and charges made on the card. If your credit card expires, your credit card company will get in touch with you and alert you about current fraud trends.

*Credit card companies may also use the time before the expiration dates of credit cards to remind clients of their existence. This is especially for people who don't make use of their cards very often.

If your credit card is about to expire, renewing it isn't hard at all. You would most likely get a new one in the mail about a month prior to your current credit card's expiration date. If you are a frequent traveler, make sure you check your credit card's expiration date. It might expire while you are away. If your credit card expires while you are traveling, you won't be able to use it in your transactions or emergencies. So before you go off anywhere, call your credit card company and request they send you a new card before you leave.

As soon as you get your new credit card, read the literature that comes with it. You don't want to miss any new features such as new and improved terms of use. However, if you discover that there have been changes to your terms and they are not good, get into touch with your credit card company right away. Refrain from using your new credit card until your request for changing the term is approved. If the credit card company denies your request, you can simply cancel the card. You'll easily find a credit card company with better terms.