How to Know If a Gift Card Is Expired

Understanding gift card expiration dates is important to ensure their value is not lost. Familiarizing yourself with regulations and checking gift card details can help you use their full value.

Understanding Gift Card Expiration Policies

Gift cards are governed by federal and state regulations designed to protect consumers. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 established a federal minimum expiration period for most gift cards. Under this law, gift certificates, store gift cards, and general-use prepaid cards cannot expire in less than five years from the date of issuance or the last date funds were added. This means gift cards must remain valid for at least five years.

State laws often provide additional consumer protection beyond the federal minimum. While the CARD Act sets a floor, individual states can enact more stringent rules. Some state laws might mandate longer expiration periods or prohibit expiration dates entirely for specific gift cards. A gift card could be valid for more than five years, depending on the state where it was issued or purchased.

The type of gift card also influences its expiration terms. “Open-loop” gift cards, like Visa or Mastercard, are general-use prepaid cards usable wherever the brand is accepted. These cards fall under the CARD Act’s protections regarding expiration and fees. In contrast, “closed-loop” gift cards are specific to a single merchant or group of affiliated merchants. While the CARD Act primarily covers general-use cards, state laws often extend similar protections to closed-loop cards, regulating their expiration dates and fee structures.

Dormancy fees are regulated to prevent the erosion of gift card value. Federal rules prohibit dormancy, inactivity, or service fees unless the gift card has been unused for at least 12 consecutive months. Only one such fee can be charged per month after this period. Any potential fees and their conditions must be clearly disclosed to the consumer before purchase.

Locating Expiration Information

Determining a gift card’s expiration date involves a few steps. First, examine the physical card. Check both the front and back for printed expiration dates, often labeled “valid through” or “expiration date.” Fine print on the card or accompanying packaging may also contain terms and conditions, including validity periods.

Many gift card issuers provide online portals to check balances and expiration dates. These are typically found on the issuer’s website. Search for the brand name with “gift card balance” or “check gift card.” To access information, input the card number and a security code or PIN, usually on the back of the card.

Another option is to use the toll-free phone number provided by the issuer. This number is almost always printed on the back of the gift card. Calling this customer service line allows you to speak with a representative who can provide the current balance, expiration date, and clarify terms. This method is useful if printed information is unclear or missing.

While not always definitive, the original purchase receipt can offer contextual details. Receipts may indicate the gift card’s activation date, which serves as the starting point for the federal five-year expiration period. Knowing the activation date can help estimate the card’s minimum validity.

Addressing Ambiguous or Missing Expiration Dates

If a gift card has an ambiguous or missing expiration date, federal and state laws still apply. Federally, funds cannot expire before five years from the date of issuance or the last time funds were added. In some states, a gift card without a printed expiration date may be considered valid indefinitely, offering extended consumer protection.

Unclaimed property laws apply to gift cards unused for long periods. After a dormancy period (commonly three to five years, varying by state), the value of unredeemed gift cards may be considered abandoned property. This value might be remitted to the state’s unclaimed property fund. However, the original cardholder generally retains the right to claim the value from the state. Many states exempt gift cards from escheatment if they do not expire or impose service fees.

Distinguishing between a “valid through” date and an expiration date is important, especially for open-loop gift cards. A “valid through” date, often seen on cards resembling credit or debit cards, refers to the plastic card’s validity for processing transactions. The funds generally do not expire on this date but remain available for the minimum federally mandated five-year period, or longer if state law dictates. The issuer may provide a replacement card if the plastic expires but funds remain.

If expiration information remains unclear after checking the card, online portals, and calling the toll-free number, contact the gift card issuer’s customer service directly. They can provide precise details regarding the card’s validity, applicable fees, and how to use the remaining balance. This ensures accurate information and resolves uncertainties.