What Can You Do With Expired Gift Cards?

Gift cards make great presents, but what happens when they expire? Some people may wonder if there's any way to reuse or replace these expired cards. Unfortunately, the answer is often not as promising as one might hope.

Expired Gift Cards: What You Can and Can't Do

It's important to understand that once a gift card expires, it loses its value. Very few stores will still honor a gift card that has passed its expiration date, no matter how sentimental or antique it may seem. This can lead to disappointment, especially if the gift recipient never got to use it. As someone once discovered, an expired gift card from about 25 years earlier for a now-defunct clothing store remains unclaimed.

Extension and Replacement Options

Although most expired gift cards are worthless, there are a couple of scenarios where you might still be able to make use of them or get them replaced:

Contact the Issuing Company: In some cases, you may be able to ask the issuer for an extension. Some companies are willing to grant extensions as a courtesy, although this is usually not a guarantee. Replace the Card: If the card was given to you and it expired, you could return it to the person who gave it to you. If the card expired on your own, you would need to contact the issuer directly. The issuer is the party responsible for the gift card and they have the right to set expiration dates or block replacement.

However, the reality is that most businesses do not issue replacements for expired gift cards. The funds were already paid upfront, and the card's value has expired according to the terms set by the issuer.

What You Can Do If the Card Has Expired

Here are some steps you can take:

Contact the Issuer: Reach out to the company who issued the gift card. They are the entity you need to communicate with, not the person who gave you the gift, as they have no control over the funds. Use Local Laws: Check your local laws regarding expired gift cards. If you're in the US, there are specific regulations you can explore. You may also consider contacting the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or local news to make a complaint or seek help.

Prevention Is Key

The best approach is to prevent the issue from arising in the first place. Here are some tips:

Use the Cards Promptly: Check the expiration date on your gift cards and use them before the expiration date. Manage Multiple Gift Cards: Keep track of the gift cards you receive and prioritize using them. Store Them Safely: Store your gift cards in a safe place and make sure to note the expiration dates.

The Bottom Line

Expired gift cards are usually not refundable or replaceable. However, if you find yourself in this situation, contacting the issuer is your best bet. Being at the mercy of the retailer is common, and it's important to handle the situation with patience and persistence. Remember, it's a lesson learned, and hopefully, you will use your gift cards promptly in the future.