Scripsmart_logo
Gift Cards Simplified.
  • facebook
  • twitter

California Gift Card Law

Last updated on January 05, 2012

Green Badge = Good Consumer Protection

Grade A or B

 Green Badge = Needs Improvement

Grade C or D

 Green Badge = Poor Consumer Protection

Grade F
A

What we like:

  • No expiration dates allowed
  • Gift cards are redeemable for cash if value is $9.99 or less
  • Gift cards do not escheat to the State of California
  • California offers a consumer-centric gift card law webpage
  • California has legally defined the notion of a gift card
  • California has legally specified whether or not gift cards escheat to the state
  • Merchant must continue to accept gift cards while in bankruptcy

What could be better:

  • A $1.00 monthly fee may be charged after the balance is $5.00 or less and the card has been inactive for at least 2 years and the card is reloadable
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 California Gift Card Law:

Bank Cards, Cards with an expiration less than 31 days sold at a discount to employers or charitable organizations, Food Product Cards, Free loyalty/promotional cards, Phone Cards

Good to know for California residents:

Cards issued for food do not need to be redeemed for cash.


Last change in California State law took effect on October 13, 2007

California Attorney General Information

Attorney General: Kamala Harris (D)
Phone: 1-916-445-9555
http://ag.ca.gov/

Helpful Links: