The gift card guide / The card says "expired"? Don't throw it out.

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The card says "expired"? Don't throw it out.

By law, the money on a gift card lasts at least five years, no matter what date is printed on it. Answer four questions and get the exact words to say, and who to say them to.

What kind of card is it?
When was it bought or last loaded?
Is the store still open?
The money is still yours. The date on the card doesn't matter. The money lasts at least five years from when it was bought or last loaded. Ask for a free new card.
Who to say it toThe company that issued the card. For a store card, that's the store's customer service line. Find it on the back of the card, or search the store's website for "gift card" or "contact us". You can also ask the manager at the register.
What to sayUnder federal law, Regulation E section 1005.20, the money on a gift card can't expire for at least five years after it was bought or last loaded. My card was purchased on [date]. Please reissue the balance or send a replacement card at no cost.
Go deeper: the rules this is based on

The federal rule (Credit CARD Act of 2009, Regulation E, 12 CFR 1005.20): money on a purchased gift card can't expire sooner than five years after it was bought or last loaded. A fee for not using it can only start after 12 months of no use, once a month at most, and only if it was disclosed. If the plastic expires before the money, the issuer owes you a free replacement. Free bonus and promotional cards are exempt.

California: most gift cards never expire, and a balance under $15 can be redeemed for cash on request (SB 22, from April 1, 2026). Massachusetts: a gift certificate is good for at least seven years, and once 90% of it's used you can take the rest in cash.

If they still say no: Visa and Mastercard gift cards go to the CFPB complaint portal; store cards go to your state attorney general's consumer office; scams go to the FTC. The full list is on Your rights.

CardCue Pro keeps each card's purchase date and shows this script on the card when its printed date passes.

CardCue Pro shows these words on the card the day its date passes.

CardCue Pro keeps every card's balance, expiration and barcode in one place, and chirps when you're near a store where you have a card. Free for 3 cards. iPhone, with an Apple Watch app on every plan.

Download on the App Store Not a bank or card issuer. It never holds, funds or guarantees a balance.

General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by card type and by state. Check consumer.ftc.gov and your state's consumer-protection office for the current rules. Last checked October 23, 2026.

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