Currently, the validity period of credit cards issued by commercial banks is usually 3-5 years, or even eight years. For example, China Merchants Bank's Air China Zhiyin Credit Card and Rural Commercial Bank's Phoenix Card are both valid for three years; China Minsheng Bank's Gold Credit Card is valid for four years; China Guangfa Bank's Credit Card is valid for five years; and China Construction Bank's Wumart Credit Card Gold Card is valid for eight years.

Credit card validity begins on the day your credit card is approved. The validity period of the credit card is clearly marked on each credit card. The credit card validity period is generally listed below the credit card number. The standard format is the month in front and the date in the back. For example: 08/14 means that your credit card is valid for 2014. August of the year.

If the cardholder does not notify the bank to terminate the use of the card and handle cancellation procedures before the expiration of the validity period, the bank will automatically issue a new credit card to the cardholder. Before the card expires, the bank will remind the cardholder through phone calls, text messages, and emails. The process of remaking a new card requires verification of information, mailing of a new card, and re-activation.