Gift Card Expiry Value Calculator
Calculate the remaining value and expiry status of gift cards.
Track multiple cards, inactivity fee impact, and which cards to use first to avoid losing value.
Gift cards are one of the most popular gifts in the world — but billions of dollars in gift card value go unused every year. Understanding expiry rules and inactivity fees is essential to getting the full value from every card you receive.
US Law: The Credit CARD Act of 2009
In the United States, federal law provides important protections for gift cards:
- Gift cards cannot expire for at least 5 years from the date of purchase or the last date the card was loaded with funds.
- Inactivity (dormancy) fees can only be charged after the card has been inactive for 12 consecutive months.
- Only one fee per month may be charged, and the fee must be clearly disclosed.
Note: These rules apply to general-purpose prepaid cards and gift certificates. Store-specific gift cards may have additional protections under individual state laws.
Inactivity Fee Impact
A typical inactivity fee of $2–$5 per month can drain a low-balance gift card surprisingly quickly:
- $5 inactivity fee on a $20 card = exhausted in 4 months of inactivity
- $3 inactivity fee on a $50 card = $36 lost after one year of inactivity
Which Cards to Use First
If you have multiple gift cards, use them in this priority order:
- Cards with inactivity fees AND a low balance (drain fastest)
- Cards expiring soonest
- Cards with inactivity fees but higher balance
- Cards with no fees and no expiry (use last)
Unclaimed Property / Escheatment
In most US states, if a gift card balance goes unclaimed for 3–7 years, the value must be reported as unclaimed property to the state. The issuer does not keep it — theoretically it can be claimed by you through your state’s unclaimed property office.
Tips to Avoid Losing Value
- Register cards online — this helps you track balance and activates theft protection
- Set a reminder for 11 months after receipt to use any card with inactivity fees
- Combine partial balances from multiple cards on Amazon where permitted
- Exchange low-balance cards you will not use at gift card exchange sites (Raise, CardCash)