Gift cards have become a popular gift-giving option in recent years. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers spent over $29 billion on gift cards in 2020. With so many gift cards being purchased, it’s common to wonder about how long gift cards are valid for and if you can check the balance on a gift card you’ve received as a gift.
How Long Are Gift Cards Valid For?
In most cases, gift cards do not expire. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD Act) was passed in 2009 to establish rules surrounding gift cards. One of these rules states that gift cards cannot expire for at least 5 years from the date they were activated. This means if you receive a gift card, you typically have at least 5 years to use it before it expires.
There are some exceptions to this general 5 year rule:
- Gift cards issued by banks or credit card companies can expire sooner than 5 years. These types of gift cards are exempt from the CARD Act.
- If a gift card has a small inactivity fee, the funds on the card can expire before 5 years due to the fees depleting the balance.
- Some states have additional laws extending gift card expiration dates past 5 years or prohibiting expiration entirely. For example, California prohibits gift card expiration dates.
The expiration date, if any, should be printed on the gift card or its packaging. Be sure to check for an expiration date when you receive a gift card to know how long you have to use it.
Checking the Balance on a Gift Card
If you have an old gift card, how can you check if it still has funds available? Here are some ways to check the balance on a gift card:
Call the Toll-Free Number
Most major retailers provide a toll-free customer service number on the back of gift cards. Call this number and follow the prompts to check your card’s balance. You will likely need to provide the card number and security code.
Check Online
Many retailers also allow you to check a gift card balance on their website. Look for a “Check Gift Card Balance” link or similar option after logging into your account. You can enter the card number and PIN online to view the current funds.
Check at the Store
Take your gift card to the store where it was purchased from. Any cashier should be able to scan the gift card and pull up the balance on their register. This allows you to check the balance and immediately use any remaining funds all in one trip.
Use Third-Party Websites
Some third-party websites aggregate gift card balance data. You can enter a gift card number on sites like GiftCardGranny or GiftCardSpread to see the balance. This method typically works best for major retailer gift cards.
How to Check If a Gift Card Is Still Valid
Once you know how to check the balance, you can determine if a gift card you have is still valid. Here are some steps to follow:
- Check the back of the card or packaging for an expiration date. If there is no expiration date, the card is likely still valid under the CARD Act’s 5 year minimum.
- Visit the retailer’s website or call the toll-free number to check the balance. If you can successfully get a balance amount, the card is still valid.
- Try to use the gift card for a small dollar test purchase online or at the store. If the purchase goes through, the card is valid.
As long as you can confirm the gift card has an active balance and has not expired, it is still valid. Be aware that some retailers do charge inactivity fees over time that reduce the balance, so be sure to check the policies for your specific gift card.
What to Do With an Invalid or Expired Gift Card
If you determine a gift card is no longer valid or has expired, you unfortunately may be out of luck using the funds. Here are some options to consider:
- File a complaint – If a gift card expires earlier than 5 years and does not have permissible fees, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or your state consumer protection office.
- Try to transfer the balance – Some retailers allow you to transfer a small expired gift card balance to a new gift card for a fee.
- Sell it – You may be able to sell an expired major retailer gift card at a discount on a secondary gift card exchange website.
- Re-gift it – For a card that is about to expire, consider re-gifting it to someone who can maximize the use of the funds.
- Recycle it – As a last resort, properly recycle the plastic gift card if it has no remaining value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get cash back for an expired gift card?
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get cash back for an expired or invalid gift card. Retailers do not issue refunds for expired cards. Your best option is to try to use the card before it expires.
Do Visa gift cards expire?
Prepaid Visa gift cards generally expire after 5 years from activation and monthly fees can reduce the balance over time. Visa gift cards issued by banks may expire sooner than the 5 year limit. Check your specific Visa gift card for expiration date details.
Can you use an expired gift card online?
Most retailers will not allow an expired gift card to be used for online purchases. The website will reject the card during checkout if it has passed the expiration date. You typically need to use the funds prior to expiration.
How do I check the balance of my Starbucks card?
To check your Starbucks card balance, you can present the card at a Starbucks register, log in to your Starbucks account online, or call 1-800-782-7282. The barista or website can provide the current balance on a Starbucks gift card.
Can Target gift cards be renewed?
Target gift cards cannot be renewed or extended if they have expired. To get the full value, Target gift cards must be used prior to the printed expiration date. Expired Target gift cards cannot be exchanged for new ones.
The Bottom Line
Checking a gift card’s validity and balance is always a smart idea before assuming it still has funds. While most gift cards remain valid for at least 5 years, you should still confirm the balance and expiration policy for the specific retailer. Taking quick steps to validate a gift card can ensure you are able to utilize the full value.