Washington Gift Card Rules at a Glance
Quick-reference table. Always verify current terms with the card issuer.
| Rule | What Washington Law Says | Exceptions |
|---|
| Expiration of funds | Gift certificate value generally cannot expire under RCW 19.240.020. Limited exceptions may apply under RCW 19.240.030. | Promotional, loyalty, and incentive cards may have different terms |
| Card plastic expiry | The physical card may show an expiry date, but the balance must remain accessible — issuer must replace card or provide alternate redemption method | — |
| Service/dormancy fees | No service or dormancy fees permitted on consumer gift cards. This is a complete prohibition — not just a waiting period. | Promotional or non-covered cards may have different fee rules |
| Cash-out (small balance) | Remaining value under $5 must be redeemable in cash on demand for covered gift certificates. | Some issuers may offer cash-out voluntarily — check card terms |
| Federal CARD Act overlay | Funds cannot expire for at least 5 years from purchase. State law may be more protective and can take precedence. | Applies to most general-purpose prepaid and open-loop gift cards |
| Official legal source | RCW 19.240.020 | Washington Legislature |
Expiration Rules — Details
Washington law generally prohibits expiration dates on covered gift certificates. This applies to most retail gift certificates sold to consumers, with limited statutory exceptions.
If your physical card shows an expiration date, that is the date the plastic expires — not the funds. You are entitled to a replacement card or another way to access the remaining balance (phone, website, or in-store).
What to do if an issuer refuses: document the conversation, note the date and representative name, and contact the Washington State Attorney General or the FTC.
Service Fees — What Is Allowed
Washington generally prohibits service and dormancy fees on covered gift certificates. If a fee appears, check whether the card falls under a statutory exception and review the issuer's disclosures.
- No service fees of any kind on covered cards
- No dormancy fees for inactivity, regardless of how long
- Activation fees (one-time, paid at purchase) may still apply
If any ongoing fees appear on a covered card, you have strong grounds to dispute with the issuer and file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General.
Cash-Out Right for Small Balances
Washington requires cash redemption for small balances on covered gift certificates. If the remaining value is under $5, the issuer must redeem it in cash upon request.
Cash-out under $5 plus no expiration and most fee prohibitions keep your balance usable over time.
Washington advantage: Cash-out under $5 plus no expiration and most fee prohibitions keep your balance usable over time.
Cards That Are Exempt from These Protections
Not all cards are covered by Washington's consumer protections. The following card types may have different or reduced protections:
Promotional cards
Issued as part of a promotion or marketing program. These can have expiration dates and different fee structures.
Loyalty/reward cards
Points or rewards cards issued as part of a loyalty program. Funds may be subject to program terms, not state law.
Rebate cards
Cards issued as rebates for a purchase. Often treated as promotional instruments with shorter validity windows.
Practical Checklist: Before You Buy and After You Receive
Before buying
- ✓ Check the packaging for fee disclosures
- ✓ Note any activation fee (one-time, not recurring)
- ✓ Look for "no expiration" and "no fees" language on the card or packaging
- ✓ Verify it is a consumer gift card, not a promotional card
After receiving
- ✓ Photograph front and back of the card
- ✓ Keep the receipt and original packaging
- ✓ Check balance on the issuer's official website or phone number printed on the card
- ✓ Register the card if the issuer allows it — helps with replacement if lost
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
1
Contact the issuer first
Use the phone number on the back of the card or the official website. Explain the issue clearly and ask for a case number.
2
Document everything
Write down dates, representative names, and what was said. Keep receipts, screenshots of balance checks, and packaging.
About this guide
This page summarizes Washington gift card law as of March 2026. Laws can change. Always verify current rules on the official Washington Legislature site and check current issuer terms. This is educational information only — not legal advice.