WAIT. I THOUGHT GIFT CARDS CAN’T EXPIRE?

CONSUMER PROTECTION BC

I t might come as a surprise to learn that gift cards received for charitable or promotional purposes are actually allowed to expire. Here are two examples where gift cards can expire.

PRIZES

Question: I won a gift card as a prize that entitled me to a free tub of ice cream. The card has an expiry date on it. I thought gift cards aren’t allowed to expire?

Answer: In this situation, because the gift card was a prize (issued for a promotional purpose) the card is allowed to expire according to the Prepaid Purchase Card Regulation. As long as the business indicates when/how the card can be used on the card itself or in the receipt that comes with it, they can set their own policies for the card when it is sold or issued for a promotional purpose.

CHARITY

Question: I went to a silent auction for a charity and bought a gift card that was donated by a restaurant about a year ago. I forgot I had the card and tried to go to the restaurant, but they said it had expired. Is that allowed?

Answer: In this situation, because the gift card was sold for a charitable purpose, it is allowed to expire. As long as the business indicates when and how the card can be used on the card itself or in the receipt that comes with it, they can set their own policies for the card when it is sold or issued for a charitable purpose.