Technically, a merchant cannot process a new transaction using an expired credit or debit card because the authorization will be declined by the banking network due to the invalid date. However, many "recurring" payments (like Netflix or gym memberships) may still go through even if the card on file is expired, as many banks utilize "Account Updater" services that automatically provide merchants with the new expiration date and CVV of your replacement card to prevent service interruptions. Furthermore, if you are owed a refund, the money can still be successfully sent back to an expired card; the bank will simply route those funds to the active account linked to that card number. It is also important to note that an expired card does not mean your debt is gone—if you have an outstanding balance on a credit card, the issuing bank will continue to charge interest and fees to your account regardless of the plastic's expiration status. For security, you should always destroy expired cards by shredding them, especially metal ones which should be returned to the issuer for safe disposal.