---
title: Card lifecycle
slug: concepts/cards/card-lifecycle
description: All card programs manage each card’s full lifecycle, from creation to closure, controlling use, replacement, suspension, or closure due to fraud, request, or expiration.
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-05-04T12:08:38.709Z
---

## Card lifecycle management

All card programs must support a complete lifecycle for each issued card, from creation to closure. The lifecycle governs the card’s operational state. This card’s operational state determines whether the card can be used for transactions, requires replacement, or must be suspended or closed due to fraud, customer request, or expiration. 

In partner-managed programs, [lifecycle actions](docId\:fzCCeYGDTrT57ioeHxSCZ) are handled by the partner and their processor. The partner is responsible for triggering lifecycle events, maintaining card status, and communicating relevant updates to Cross River via daily reporting.

In integrated issuing programs, [lifecycle actions](docId\:JqNuGyrOXQL_0n5hPyCmv) are managed by the partner using Cross River’s infrastructure, specifically, COS [APIs](docId\:ctPgBWhSjawyngKlCY73a) or COS Explorer. 

## Lifecycle events

Typical lifecycle events include: 

- **Card creation**: A physical or virtual card is generated and linked to a customer account. 
  - Refer to the [create new card](docId\:EJCciNVxb0oMKjA567gUM) API.
- **Card activation**: The card transitions from *Unactivated* to *Active* status and becomes eligible for transactions. 
  - Refer to the [activate card by ID](docId\:E_U42earZiwDZOiIXuunI) API.
- **Replacement or reissue**: A new card is issued due to expiration, damage, or being reported lost or stolen. 
  - Refer to [replace and reissue](docId\:PEWkPqnJMYqYJHL6q6fCh) for more details.
- **Suspension and unsuspension**: Temporarily disables or re-enables a card, often due to fraud or customer request. 
  - Refer to the [suspend card](docId\:K4JUvw-0ny1dOxTSOVNFx) and [unsuspend a card](docId\:m4ISy77gMgYBkgwRXliaX) APIs.
- **Card closure**: Permanently deactivates a card. Closed cards cannot be reactivated. 
  - Refer to the [close card](docId:9tDjvhU9S37a-7Cqj3VEJ) API.

## Webhooks

[Webhook](docId\:BN5XtgkJogBe-CtwomCbS) integrations enable real-time event-driven updates for card lifecycle events, transaction activity, and status changes. You need to [register](docId\:BN5XtgkJogBe-CtwomCbS) to receive webhooks.

## Find out more

- [Integrated status and states](docId\:T8YPzopBRVd8Z8-pRjiOg) - details on how lifecycle events affect transaction authorization.

## Read more

- [Issuing models](docId\:R6sp5ZBFkpgMUQfBoTob2) 
- [Card transactions](docId\:K9zdYpQIPm_qhHCU3uRQ6) 
- [Advanced authorization](docId:88_iQwsRFzVb0Wp1UlwYP) 
- [Reporting and compliance](docId\:i4b_iqAVcQFp9m1611twC)