The gift card guide / What the law says you get
What the law says you get
Your gift cards have more protection than you think. Here's what the law gives you, who to call, and how to find them.
Everywhere in the US
The money on a gift card you paid for lasts at least five years from when it was bought or last loaded. A fee for not using it can only start after a year of no use. If the plastic card expires before the money does, they owe you a new card for free. Free bonus cards from promotions are different: those can expire.
Some states give you more
California: most cards never expire, and under $15 left means you can ask for cash. Massachusetts: cards are good for at least seven years, and once you have used 90% you can take the rest in cash. Other states have small-balance rules too, from under $1 to under $10. Ask at the register.
If the store closes
The law doesn't protect your card when a store closes. Find the last day they will take cards and spend it before then. Joann gave people four days in February 2025. If you bought the card recently with a credit card, ask your card company about a dispute.
If a scammer got you
No real business or government office asks to be paid in gift cards. Report it to the FTC and to the card's brand right away. Speed matters: more than half of people who tried to get a scammed balance back couldn't (AARP, 2022).
Who to call, and how to find them
The store's customer service line: the number on the back of the card, or search the store's website for "gift card" or "contact us". The manager at the register can often help on the spot.
The bank that issued it, named on the back of the card, not Visa or Mastercard themselves. If they refuse, file a complaint with the CFPB.
Its customer service line while it still answers, then the bankruptcy claims agent (search the store's name plus "bankruptcy claims"), and your credit card company for a dispute if you bought the card recently.
Your state's unclaimed property office. Every state has a search site, and missingmoney.com searches most of them at once.
Store cards: your state attorney general's consumer office. Scams: reportfraud.ftc.gov. Need the exact words? Use the expired card checker.
Go deeper: the exact laws
Federal: Credit CARD Act of 2009, Regulation E, 12 CFR 1005.20.
California: Civil Code 1749.5, as amended by SB 22 (2025). Massachusetts: M.G.L. c. 200A, s. 5D. Other states are being checked for this page and will be added one by one.
If a store closes, unpaid gift cards can be filed as claims in the bankruptcy case. If a card's money was sent to your state as unclaimed property, search your state's unclaimed property website; in some states the issuer must still honor the card.
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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.