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Released: February 18, 2012
Help Desk FAQ
Gift Cards
Can my gift card expire?
Gift cards cannot expire for at least five years after the last time they were loaded with money (which, in most cases, would be the purchase date). Since many cards exhibit an expiration date to make them useable online, a card may have to be replaced within the first five years even if it still has a balance on it. In such a case, the issuer cannot charge any fees for replacing the expired card within the first five years.
Many states do not permit gift cards to expire. (Typically, state law prevails if it is stronger than federal law.) Consumers Union provides a list of gift card consumer protection laws by state. You also can visit your state’s consumer protection office for more information. Find contact information in the Consumer Action Handbook.
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