We have all been in that situation. Maybe you are cleaning out your wallet, or you reached into the pocket of an old jacket.
You found an old gift card. The first thing you wonder is if there’s value left on it.
The next question is if it’s too late. Is it expired?
We can’t help you with first question, but there’s good news for the second question.
Can gift cards expire in Alberta?
The answer is no, Gift cards do not expire in Alberta, Canada. All prepaid purchase cards in Alberta must be honoured.
Prepaid purchase cards include: Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, Written Certificates, Reloadable Gift Cards, and electronic cards or vouchers with a specific dollar value.
A business may not charge fees that lower the value over time.
However, it only applies to gift cards with an expiry date that is on or after November 1, 2008.
These are rules laid out in the Consumer Protection Act.
What Kind of Gift Cards Can Expire?
There are certain types of cards and vouchers that can still have expiry dates.
The following CAN have expiry dates:
- Promotional Cards
- Loyalty Cards
- Cards Sold for a Specific Service
- Gift cards where there is a direct agreement between the consumer and the financial institution that issues the card. A financial institution is a bank, treasury branch, credit union, or trust corporation.
Detailed Overview of Alberta Gift Card Laws
In Summary
- Gift Cards do not expire in Alberta.
- It is outlawed in Alberta for businesses to have expiry dates on prepaid style gift cards that have cash value.
- That is, on or after November 1, 2008.
