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gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state

cash_redemption_threshold stringclasses 8 values	covered_instruments stringlengths 33 417	derived_fields listlengths 1 1	expiration_rule stringlengths 50 367	fee_rule stringlengths 71 501	id stringlengths 4 27	source stringlengths 48 111	source_quote stringlengths 164 2.45k	state stringlengths 4 29	statute_citation stringlengths 14 34	url stringlengths 73 96	verified_fields listlengths 3 5
less than fifteen dollars ($15)	distributed by the issuer to a consumer pursuant to an awards, loyalty, or promotional program without any money or other thing of value being given in exchange for the gift certificate by the consumer	[ "statute_citation" ]	unlawful for any person or entity to sell a gift certificate to a purchaser that contains any of the following: (1) An expiration date	(2) A service fee, including, but not limited to, a service fee for dormancy, except as provided in subdivision (f)	california	https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1749.5	(a) It is unlawful for any person or entity to sell a gift certificate to a purchaser that contains any of the following: (1) An expiration date. (2) A service fee, including, but not limited to, a service fee for dormancy, except as provided in subdivision (f). (b) (1) A gift certificate sold after January 1, 1997, is...	California	Cal. Civ. Code § 1749.5	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/california/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
five dollars or less	This section shall not apply to gift cards that are usable with multiple sellers of goods or services. This exception shall not apply to a gift card usable only with affiliated sellers of goods or services	[ "statute_citation" ]	no expiration restriction stated in this section (federal floor applies)	It is unlawful for any person or entity to sell to a purchaser a gift card that contains a service fee, a dormancy fee, an inactivity fee, a maintenance fee, or any other type of fee	colorado	https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-6-consumer-and-commercial-affairs/co-rev-st-sect-6-1-722/	(b) This section shall not apply to gift cards that are usable with multiple sellers of goods or services. This exception shall not apply to a gift card usable only with affiliated sellers of goods or services. (2) On and after August 11, 2010, the issuer shall redeem the remaining value of a gift card for cash if the ...	Colorado	Colo. Rev. Stat. § 6-1-722	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/colorado/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	gift certificate, as defined in section 3-56a	[ "statute_citation" ]	No gift certificate or any agreement with respect to such gift certificate may contain language suggesting that an expiration date may apply to the gift certificate	no state fee restriction stated in this section (federal floor applies)	connecticut	https://codes.findlaw.com/ct/title-42-business-selling-trading-and-collection-practices/ct-gen-st-sect-42-460/	that is subject to an expiration date. No gift certificate or any agreement with respect to such gift certificate may contain language suggesting that an expiration date may apply to the gift certificate. (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a holder from honoring a gift certificate, the unredeemed...	Connecticut	Conn. Gen. Stat. § 42-460	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/connecticut/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	a gift certificate may have an expiration date if it is provided to the recipient, or to a purchaser for transfer to the recipient, as part of a loyalty or promotional program when the recipient does not pay a separate identifiable charge for the certificate	[ "statute_citation" ]	may not have an expiration date, expiration period	any type of postsale charge or fee imposed on the gift certificate or credit memo, including, but not limited to, service charges, dormancy fees, account maintenance fees, or cash-out fees	florida	http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599/0501/Sections/0501.95.html	A gift certificate purchased or credit memo issued in this state may not have an expiration date, expiration period, or any type of postsale charge or fee imposed on the gift certificate or credit memo, including, but not limited to, service charges, dormancy fees, account maintenance fees, or cash-out fees. However, a...	Florida	Fla. Stat. § 501.95(2)(a)	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/florida/	[ "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	The face value of a gift certificate issued on or after January 1, 2008 may not be reduced in value and the holder of a gift certificate issued after January 1, 2008 may not be penalized in any way for non-use or untimely redemption of the gift certificate	[ "statute_citation" ]	no person shall sell a gift certificate that is subject to: (1) an expiration date earlier than 5 years after the date of issuance	no person shall sell a gift certificate that is subject to: (1) an expiration date earlier than 5 years after the date of issuance; or (2) a post-purchase fee	illinois	https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=081505050K2SS	(b) On or after January 1, 2008, no person shall sell a gift certificate that is subject to: (1) an expiration date earlier than 5 years after the date of issuance; or (2) a post-purchase fee. Any gift certificate issued prior to January 1, 2008 that is subject to a fee must contain a statement clearly and conspicuousl...	Illinois	815 ILCS 505/2SS(b)	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/illinois/	[ "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule" ]
once redeemed for at least 90 per cent of face value (non-reloadable), or when the value remaining is $5.00 or less (reloadable)	A gift certificate, as defined in section 1 of chapter 255D	[ "statute_citation" ]	shall be valid for not less than 7 years after its date of issuance	no state fee restriction stated in this section (federal floor applies)	massachusetts	https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleII/Chapter200A/Section5D	Section 5D. A gift certificate, as defined in section 1 of chapter 255D, sold or offered to be sold shall be valid for not less than 7 years after its date of issuance. The date of issuance and the expiration date shall be clearly identified on its face, subject to section 75C of chapter 266, or, if an electronic card ...	Massachusetts	Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 200A, § 5D	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/massachusetts/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	A person engaged in the retail sale of goods or services	[ "statute_citation" ]	shall not sell a gift certificate to a consumer that expires within a period of less than 5 years	shall not charge an inactivity fee or other service fee to a consumer for the possession or use of a gift certificate (Mich. Comp. Laws § 445.903f, companion section)	michigan	https://codes.findlaw.com/mi/chapter-445-trade-and-commerce/mi-comp-laws-445-903g/	Sec. 3g. A person engaged in the retail sale of goods or services shall not sell a gift certificate to a consumer that expires within a period of less than 5 years.	Michigan	Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 445.903f–.903g	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/michigan/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	shall not apply to gift certificates: (1) distributed to a consumer for loyalty, promotional, award, incentive, rebate, or other similar purposes without any money or other tangible thing of value being given by the consumer in exchange for the gift certificate or gift card; (2) that are sold below face value or at a v...	[ "statute_citation" ]	unlawful for any person or entity to sell a gift certificate that is subject to an expiration date	a service fee of any kind, including, but not limited to, a service fee for dormancy	minnesota	https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325G.53	It is unlawful for any person or entity to sell a gift certificate that is subject to an expiration date or a service fee of any kind, including, but not limited to, a service fee for dormancy. § Subd. 3. Nonapplication. The provisions of this section shall not apply to gift certificates: (1) distributed to a consumer ...	Minnesota	Minn. Stat. § 325G.53	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/minnesota/	[ "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
less than $5	no exemptions stated in this section	[ "statute_citation" ]	A gift certificate is valid until redemption and does not terminate	A gift certificate may not be reduced in value by any fee, including a dormancy fee applied if a certificate is not used	montana	https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0300/chapter_0140/part_0010/section_0080/0300-0140-0010-0080.html	(1) A gift certificate is valid until redemption and does not terminate. A gift certificate is considered trust property of the possessor if the issuer or seller of the gift certificate declares bankruptcy after issuing or selling the gift certificate. (2) The value represented by the gift certificate belongs to the po...	Montana	Mont. Code Ann. § 30-14-108	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/montana/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	This paragraph shall not apply to season passes	[ "statute_citation" ]	Selling gift certificates having a face value of $250 or less to purchasers which contain expiration dates. Gift certificates having a face value in excess of $250 shall expire when escheated to the state as abandoned property	Dormancy fees, latency fees, or any other administrative fees or service charges that have the effect of reducing the total amount for which the holder may redeem a gift certificate are prohibited	new-hampshire	https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXXI/358-A/358-A-2.htm	XIII. Selling gift certificates having a face value of $250 or less to purchasers which contain expiration dates. Gift certificates having a face value in excess of $250 shall expire when escheated to the state as abandoned property pursuant to RSA 471-C. Dormancy fees, latency fees, or any other administrative fees or...	New Hampshire	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 358-A:2, XIII	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/new-hampshire/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
a balance of less than $5	does not include a prepaid telecommunications or technology card, prepaid bank card or rewards card	[ "statute_citation" ]	In no case shall the underlying funds associated with a gift certificate or gift card expire within the 24 months immediately following the date of sale	No dormancy fee shall be charged against a gift certificate or a gift card within the 24 months immediately following the date of sale, nor shall one be charged within the 24 months immediately following the most recent activity or transaction in which the certificate or card was used. (3) A dormancy fee charged agains...	new-jersey	https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-56/section-56-8-110/	(1) In no case shall the underlying funds associated with a gift certificate or gift card expire within the 24 months immediately following the date of sale. (2) No dormancy fee shall be charged against a gift certificate or a gift card within the 24 months immediately following the date of sale, nor shall one be charg...	New Jersey	N.J. Stat. § 56:8-110	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/new-jersey/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
less than five dollars	other than an open loop gift certificate or a promotional gift certificate	[ "statute_citation" ]	a gift certificate may be subject to an expiration date which is not earlier than the later of nine years after the date on which the gift certificate was issued, or the date on which funds were last loaded	any activation fee, retroactive fee, redemption fee, service fee, dormancy fee, latency fee, administrative fee, handling fee, access fee, periodic fee, renewal fee, re-loading fee, or any other fee of any kind, other than an open loop gift certificate subject to an initial one-time activation or issuance fee	new-york	https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/general-business-law/gbs-sect-396-i/	5. (a) No person, firm, partnership, association or corporation shall charge or assess, or sell or issue any gift certificate subject to, any activation fee, retroactive fee, redemption fee, service fee, dormancy fee, latency fee, administrative fee, handling fee, access fee, periodic fee, renewal fee, re-loading fee, ...	New York	N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 396-i	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/new-york/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	distributed by the issuer to a consumer pursuant to an awards, loyalty, or promotional program without any money or anything of value being given in exchange	[ "statute_citation" ]	no person or entity shall sell a gift card to a purchaser containing an expiration date that is less than two years after the date the gift card is issued	No person or entity, within two years after a gift card is issued, shall charge service charges or fees relative to that gift card, including dormancy fees, latency fees, or administrative fees	ohio	https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1349.61	(A)(1) Subject to division (C) of this section, no person or entity shall sell a gift card to a purchaser containing an expiration date that is less than two years after the date the gift card is issued. (2) No person or entity, within two years after a gift card is issued, shall charge service charges or fees relative...	Ohio	Ohio Rev. Code § 1349.61	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/ohio/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
less than one dollar ($1.00)	distributed to a consumer pursuant to an awards, loyalty, or promotional program without any money or other thing of value being given in exchange	[ "statute_citation" ]	unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation of any kind to charge any surcharge or additional monthly or annual service or maintenance fees on gift certificates or to limit the time for the redemption of a gift certificate or to place an expiration date upon the gift certificate	charge any surcharge or additional monthly or annual service or maintenance fees on gift certificates	rhode-island	http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE6/6-13/6-13-12.htm	It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation of any kind to charge any surcharge or additional monthly or annual service or maintenance fees on gift certificates or to limit the time for the redemption of a gift certificate or to place an expiration date upon the gift certificate. No gift certificate or an...	Rhode Island	R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13-12	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/rhode-island/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	applicable to a stored value card	[ "statute_citation" ]	disclosure only: An expiration date or policy, fee, or other material restriction or contract term applicable to a stored value card must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed at the time the card is sold	disclosure only: An expiration date or policy, fee, or other material restriction or contract term applicable to a stored value card must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed	texas	https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/business-and-commerce-code/bus-com-sect-604-101/	An expiration date or policy, fee, or other material restriction or contract term applicable to a stored value card must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed at the time the card is sold or issued to a person to enable the person to make an informed decision before purchasing the card.	Texas	Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 604.101	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/texas/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
none	The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to any gift certificate- (A) that is distributed pursuant to an award, loyalty, or promotional program	[ "statute_citation" ]	unlawful for any person to sell or issue a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card that is subject to an expiration date. (2) Exceptions A gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card may contain an expiration date if- (A) the expiration date is not earlier than 5 years after th...	unlawful for any person to impose a dormancy fee, an inactivity charge or fee, or a service fee with respect to a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card. (2) Exceptions A dormancy fee, inactivity charge or fee, or service fee may be charged with respect to a gift certificate, store gift card, or...	united-states-federal-floor	https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section1693l-1&num=0&edition=prelim	(1) In general Except as provided under paragraphs (2) through (4), it shall be unlawful for any person to impose a dormancy fee, an inactivity charge or fee, or a service fee with respect to a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card. (2) Exceptions A dormancy fee, inactivity charge or fee, or se...	United States (federal floor)	15 U.S.C. § 1693l-1	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/united-states-federal-floor/	[ "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule" ]
none	unless the gift certificate is distributed pursuant to an award, loyalty, or promotional program, and with respect to which there is no other money or value exchanged	[ "statute_citation" ]	Each gift certificate issued by a merchant in the Commonwealth that has an expiration date shall include either (i) a statement of the expiration date of the certificate or (ii) a telephone number or Internet address where the holder of the certificate may obtain information regarding the expiration date of the certifi...	No gift certificate issued by a merchant in the Commonwealth shall impose a dormancy fee, an inactivity charge or fee, or a service fee	virginia	https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title59.1/section59.1-531/	A. Each gift certificate issued by a merchant in the Commonwealth that has an expiration date shall include either (i) a statement of the expiration date of the certificate or (ii) a telephone number or Internet address where the holder of the certificate may obtain information regarding the expiration date of the cert...	Virginia	Va. Code § 59.1-531	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/virginia/	[ "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]
less than five dollars	If a gift certificate is issued with the sale of tangible personal property or services, the gift certificate is subject to subsection (1) of this section	[ "statute_citation" ]	unlawful for any person or entity to issue, or to enforce against a bearer, a gift certificate that contains: (a) An expiration date	(b) Any fee, including a service fee; or (c) A dormancy or inactivity charge	washington	https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=19.240.020	it is unlawful for any person or entity to issue, or to enforce against a bearer, a gift certificate that contains: (a) An expiration date; (b) Any fee, including a service fee; or (c) A dormancy or inactivity charge. (2) If a gift certificate is issued with the sale of tangible personal property or services, the gift ...	Washington	RCW 19.240.020	https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/washington/	[ "cash_redemption_threshold", "covered_instruments", "expiration_rule", "fee_rule", "state" ]

Gift card expiration, fee and cash-redemption rules by state

Canonical, always-current version: https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/ Machine-readable: https://referencesource.org/gift-card-consumer-protections-by-state/data.json — this mirror is a point-in-time copy.

Last verified: 2026-08-18
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Records: 18

State gift card / gift certificate consumer protections compared against the federal CARD Act floor (15 U.S.C. 1693l-1: no expiry under 5 years, dormancy fees only after 12 months of inactivity). Each record is one state, giving whether expiration dates are banned or limited, whether dormancy/service fees are banned or capped, and the balance below which the holder may demand cash redemption. Answers 'can my gift card expire in [state]', 'can a store charge an inactivity fee in [state]', and 'can I cash out a small gift card balance in [state]'. The federal 5-year rule is what assistants answer with, and it is wrong wherever a state bans expiry outright (California, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Rhode Island, Washington and others) or grants cash redemption (California under $15, Colorado under $5, and more). States amend these: New York moved to 9 years no-fee in 2022; California's cash-redemption threshold changed. Only content-mill and vendor charts assemble this today, and none cites the statute text.

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