Scripsmart_logo
Gift Cards Simplified.
  • facebook
  • twitter

New Jersey Gift Card Law

Last updated on March 18, 2011

Green Badge = Good Consumer Protection

Grade A or B

 Green Badge = Needs Improvement

Grade C or D

 Green Badge = Poor Consumer Protection

Grade F
F

What we like:

  • Gift cards do not escheat to the State of New Jersey
  • New Jersey has legally defined the notion of a gift card
  • New Jersey has legally specified whether or not gift cards escheat to the state
  • Any expiration or fees must be disclosed in at least 10 point font on either the gift card, sales recipt or packaging of such card. Otherwise, a telophone number must be included for inquiry of such information.

What could be better:

  • Gift cards may expire 2 years from purchase date
  • A $2.00 monthly fee may be charged after 2 years of inactivity.
  • Merchants are not required to give cash back
  • New Jersey does not maintain a consumer-centric web page dedicated to gift card laws
NOTICE: ScripSmart attempts to make all information accurate. ScripSmart is only a guideline and does not provide definitive statements of the law. If you have questions about the law's application to a particular case, direct them to a specialist. If you believe this information is incorrect, please let us know.

The following types of gift cards are excluded form New Jersey Gift Card Law:

Free loyalty/promotional cards, Phone Cards, Technology Cards

Good to know for New Jersey residents:

Federal Judge Freda Wolfson has issued a temporary injunction preventing the State of New Jersey from collecting the value of unused gift cards in accordance with the passage of Assembly Bill No. 3002. This bill included gift cards as unclaimed property for the first time and required merchants turn over gift cards to the state as unclaimed property after two years.

That State of New Jersey plan to appeal Judge Wolfson’s decision.

New Jersey Attorney General Information

Attorney General: Paula T. Dow (D)
Contact Form
Phone: 1-609-292-8740
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/

Helpful Links: