Gift cards now keep on giving

SHOPPERS will have a lifetime to use gift cards after one of the nation’s biggest retailers dumped controversial expiry dates – including on cards already issued.

Woolworths will today reveal it is putting an end to expiry dates. From March 31, all new Woolworths Group cards – plus those already issued and still active – will be able to be used at any time. Previously they had a one-year expiry.

The move was applauded by consumer groups.

Choice spokeswoman Erin Turner said it was about time shoppers were given freedom to use what is effectively their money at their own will.

“Woolworths’ decision to ditch expiry dates for gift cards is great news for shoppers,’’ she said. “We hope other businesses follow the lead of companies like Woolworths and get rid of expiry dates.”

In NSW, the Government has introduced a mandatory minimum expiry period of three years for gift cards and vouchers, which becomes effective at the end of the month. Other states are yet to follow suit.

Woolworths financial services head Chris Cramond said change was needed to stop customers from being left disappointed if they failed to use their card in time.

“After talking to customers about this we’ve decided to go one better and scrap gift card expiry dates for good,’’ he said. “It means one less thing to worry about for busy customers, who will have complete flexibility to use gift cards as and when it suits them.”

The changes include WISH and Woolworths gift cards which can be redeemed at Woolworths supermarkets, Big W, Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Cellarmasters and Woolworths petrol. Also included are the Essentials and Groceries gift card.