Have you ever opened a gift only to find a gift card for a store where you already have one, or worse, one you recently purchased yourself?
Gift cards are among the most popular presents worldwide, with billions sold each year. However, unlike regular merchandise, gift cards often come with complicated return and refund policies. Many people assume they can simply return a gift card for a refund, but the reality is much more nuanced.
So, can you actually return gift cards?
The answer depends. Return policies for gift cards vary widely among retailers, and federal laws generally allow companies to establish their own rules.
Don’t worry-I’ve done the research to help you navigate this topic.
This guide will explain the legal landscape surrounding gift card refunds, how state laws and store policies affect your options, and suggest practical alternatives if a refund isn’t feasible.
While getting your money back isn’t always guaranteed, you might have more possibilities than you realize.
Key Takeaways
- Most retailers do not accept returns on gift cards; once activated, they are typically considered final sale.
- Federal laws protect your gift card’s value. For instance, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires a minimum five-year validity and limits inactivity fees.
- If refunds aren’t an option, consider selling, exchanging, regifting, or donating your gift card.
Reasons You Might Want to Return a Gift Card
There are many practical reasons to want to return a gift card. Maybe the store is no longer convenient, or you’ve shifted to online shopping while the card only works in physical locations. Perhaps you already own the item you planned to buy, or the brand no longer fits your tastes.
Sometimes, the card was purchased by mistake-imagine buying a gift card for a gym when you meant to get one for a bookstore. Or you might have changed your mind about giving it as a gift.
After holidays, duplicates or multiple cards for the same store often pile up, making some cards redundant. Knowing your return or exchange options can help you avoid wasted balances and frustration.
Other situations include:
- The card’s terms or value don’t match what was advertised, making it unusable for your needs.
- You discover a better deal elsewhere after purchasing the card.
Legal Perspective on Gift Card Refunds
Before requesting a refund, it’s crucial to understand the difference between legal requirements and store policies. Federal laws offer some protections, but much authority lies with individual states and retailers.
Federal Regulations
The Credit CARD Act of 2009 introduced important safeguards for gift card holders nationwide. While it doesn’t require refunds, it protects your card’s value.
- Expiration: Gift cards must remain valid for at least five years from purchase or last reload.
- Fees: Inactivity or maintenance fees are banned unless the card is unused for 12 months, and even then, only one fee per month is allowed.
- Disclosure: Retailers must clearly communicate all terms, including fees and expiration, before purchase. Failure to do so may allow you to contest unfair conditions.
State Laws
State regulations often provide stronger consumer protections regarding gift card returns and refunds.
For example, California law permits consumers to redeem gift cards with balances under $10 for cash, excluding multi-store cards like Visa or Mastercard gift cards. This has been in effect since 2008. However, no state mandates full refunds for gift card purchases.
Washington and Oregon prohibit expiration dates and fees on most gift cards sold after certain dates, with exceptions for discounted or loyalty cards.
Some states have escheatment laws, where unused gift card balances eventually revert to the state as unclaimed property.
Retailer Policies vs. Legal Requirements
Retailers must meet minimum legal standards but often establish their own policies. Some, like Amazon and Target, provide limited options to cancel or exchange gift cards, even though they aren’t legally required to do so.
Policies that impose hidden fees, short expiration periods, or restrict access to remaining balances may violate consumer protection laws. Always read the fine print before assuming a refund is impossible.
Gift Card Return Policies at Leading Retailers
Most retailers treat gift cards like cash, meaning once sold and activated, they generally cannot be returned.
Typical Store Practices
Gift card purchases are almost always final. Returns for cash, credit, or exchanges are rarely accepted, even if the card remains unused.
This strict policy helps prevent fraud and financial loss, as gift cards can be duplicated or resold online. When buying a gift card, assume it is non-returnable.
That said, exceptions exist for unactivated cards, damaged cards, or court-ordered refunds. Here’s how some major retailers handle returns:
Popular Retailer Policies
Department Stores
- Target: Gift cards, prepaid, and specialty cards are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash except where state law requires (e.g., California’s under $10 rule).
- Walmart: Activated gift cards are non-returnable, though purchase issues may qualify for refunds.
- Macy’s: Gift cards are final sale; online purchases may have different terms.
- Best Buy: No returns or refunds on activated cards; defective cards are replaced but not refunded.
Online Retailers
- Amazon: Gift cards and digital codes are non-refundable once purchased. Defective codes bought directly from Amazon can be replaced. Third-party purchases are covered by Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee.
- eBay: Refunds only for fraud or counterfeit listings; buyer discretion advised.
- Apple, Google Play, Steam: Digital codes are generally non-refundable except for technical errors or accidental duplicates.
- Visa/Mastercard prepaid cards: Treated like cash; no returns after activation, but refunds for purchases made with the card can be requested from merchants.
Restaurant Chains
- Starbucks: Refunds only for damaged or inactive cards; active cards are final sale.
- McDonald’s, Olive Garden, others: Policies vary by franchise, but refunds or cash exchanges are generally not allowed.
- Local eateries: Most follow no-cash-back policies, though some may offer store credit or balance transfers as a courtesy.
Tip: Always keep your receipt or proof of purchase. While refunds are rare, documentation helps resolve fraud, activation, or balance issues.
How to Request a Gift Card Return: A Step-by-Step Guide
Returning a gift card can be challenging, but with the right preparation and a polite approach, you can improve your chances or at least explore all available options.
Preparation
Before reaching out to the retailer:
- Find your receipt and activation confirmation to prove purchase and activation.
- Review the retailer’s gift card return policy, usually listed under “Gift Card Terms” or “Returns” on their website.
- Note any return windows; some stores allow returns within 7-30 days for unused, unactivated cards.
- Gather all relevant materials: original packaging, card, and proof of payment.
Return Process
- Return through the original purchase channel-store or website.
- Bring identification and proof of purchase for verification.
- Politely explain your reason for requesting a refund, such as duplicate gifts or mistaken purchase.
- Ask about alternatives like store credit, exchanges, or balance transfers if refunds aren’t possible.
- Keep records of all communications, receipts, and confirmations.
If Your Request Is Denied
- Request escalation to a manager or corporate customer service.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or your state’s consumer protection agency if you suspect unfair treatment.
- Use social media tactfully to raise awareness, tagging the retailer with a clear, polite message.
Options When Returning Gift Cards Isn’t Possible
If refunds are off the table and customer service is unhelpful, consider these legal and practical alternatives to recover value:
1. Sell Your Gift Card
Turn your unwanted card into cash by selling it on trusted platforms like CardCash, Raise, Gift Card Granny, or ClipKard. You can also sell directly through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Reddit, or eBay. Always use reputable services to avoid scams.
2. Exchange or Trade
If cash isn’t your priority, swap your card for one you’ll use. Many exchange websites facilitate trades between different retailers. Alternatively, trade with friends or social media contacts-for example, exchange a gaming platform card for a streaming service card.
3. Regift
Unwanted gift cards make easy gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Passing them on lets someone else enjoy the choice while decluttering your wallet.
4. Donate
Consider donating gift cards to charities, nonprofits, or community fundraisers. Many organizations accept them for supplies or raffle prizes. Websites like CharityChoice and GiftCards4Change simplify the donation process.
Conclusion
Can you return gift cards? Usually not, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Most retailers treat gift cards as final sales to prevent fraud and financial loss. Legally, refunds are only required in limited cases, such as California’s cash redemption rule for small balances. Understanding these rules empowers you, and knowing your alternatives provides flexibility.
If a refund isn’t possible, selling, trading, regifting, or donating your gift card can help you reclaim value. Trusted platforms like CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny make this process simple.
Disclaimer:
This article represents our independent analysis and opinions, which may differ from others’ experiences. We do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information and disclaim liability for any errors or omissions.
The content is not financial advice and may become outdated. Please conduct your own research and consult professionals as needed.