What happens if gift card expires

Gift vouchers and cards do expire eventually. But, the amount of time you have to use the gift card or voucher can vary a lot - from specific dates and seasonal months to 3 months up to 12 months, for example. Expiry dates are allowed as long as the person buying the voucher was made aware of this at the time of purchase.

Similarly, if you are the recipient of a gift voucher, you should look at the expiry date as soon as you receive it, so you are aware of how much time you have to use it. If you have a voucher for an experience day, you should make sure that you are clear on whether or not you need to book and take the experience before the expiry date printed on your voucher, or whether you just need to book it before the expiry date.

If the voucher has expired without you realising, you may be able to extend it with a fee. If you've lost your gift voucher, you may be able to get one reissued by email for free or a physical replacement sent to you for a small fee. But gift cards and vouchers are like cash. So, if you lose one you might be out of luck. Your chances of getting a new gift card issued will depend on the gift voucher's terms and conditions and the retailer's policy. Contact the retailer to ask if they can help you and remember to include important information such as the date the gift card was purchased and any proof of purchase.

If you've got a record of the unique gift card number, include this when you contact the retailer. If the retailer is able to help, the purchaser of the gift card will usually have to show a proof of purchase. This is so the retailer can verify the purchase was genuine and start the process for sending you a new gift card.

There's a six-month expiration date. Is there any way she can still redeem this? An astounding number of expired gift certificates or gift cards are probably lying around in the desk drawers of self-denying moms. But common though this problem must be, only some states have laws that deal with it. Luckily, federal law addresses this issue. However, issuers can still charge an "inactivity fee" if the card has not been used within twelve months.

Again, some states have passed laws that regulate gift certificates and gift cards. To find out if your state has any laws that cover gift cards or certificates, check out the National Conference of State Legislature's chart covering state statutes related to gift certificates and gift cards. A local consumer protection lawyer can also tell you about applicable laws in your state.

Credit Cards Credit Card Basics. By LaToya Irby. LaToya Irby is a credit expert who has been covering credit and debt management for The Balance for more than a dozen years. Learn about our editorial policies. Reviewed by Khadija Khartit. Khadija Khartit is a strategy, investment, and funding expert, and an educator of fintech and strategic finance in top universities. She has been an investor, entrepreneur, and advisor for more than 25 years. Learn about our Financial Review Board.

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