The bank has issued guidance after a query from a customer
Halifax has clarified its rules around when it will make changes to your bank card details. The issue came to light as a customer needed a replacement card. They contacted Halifax over social media to ask: “My card number has rubbed off my credit card. If I was to order a new one, will I get the same card number?”
The bank replied to explain there would be some changes if the person ordered a new card. Halifax said: “If you order a replacement Halifax credit card because the details have worn off, you’ll usually keep the same card number. The expiry date and CVV will change, though.”
What is the CVV number on a credit card?
The CVV (Card Verification Value) is a code commonly found on the back of a bank card, next to where you write your signature. Guidance on the Halifax website about credit cards explains: “When you buy something online or over the phone, you might be asked for a ‘CVV’, ‘CVC’, ‘CVN’, ‘CVV2’ or a ‘security number’. They’re actually the same thing.
READ MORE: Barclays full list of deadline dates for £900 payments into customer accounts
“This serves as a card verification number or code. Because it’s only printed on the card itself, when you provide it, we’re more confident that the physical card is in your possession.”
For Mastercard and Visa credit cards, you’ll find the security number printed on the back of your card. This is the last three digits of the number printed in the top right-hand corner of the signature strip.
If you have an American Express credit card, it’s a 4-digit number printed on the front. You can spot it just above and to the right of the long credit card number.
How does the expiry date on a credit card work?
For Halifax credit card holders, your card will feature both a start date and an expiry date, showing the month and year your card was issued and when it expires. The form for this is month/year. For example, 11/25 would refer to November 2025.
Halifax explains: “Credit cards are usually issued for two to four years, being renewed just before the expiry date. You might notice that the ‘expires end’ date is a month later than the ‘valid from’ date. This overlap gives you a bit of extra time to make the switch to your new credit card.
“By the end of the ‘expires end’ month, your old card won’t work anymore, so it’s a good idea to start using a new card as soon as it arrives. That way, you’ll avoid any problems.”
READ MORE: Check your bank account at this time of day, says savings expert
The guidance also has some details about what happens if your card is re-issued. The bank states: “If your credit card is re-issued – for example, as a replacement for a lost card – your new card will have extended ‘valid from’ and ‘expires end’ dates. For security, cards should be cut up and disposed of carefully when they expire.”
In their response to the customer’s query, Halifax said: “If the card was lost, stolen, or compromised, you’ll get a new number for security reasons.”
