Gift Card True Value Calculator
Find out what your gift card is really worth after fees and expiration.
Don't let hidden costs eat your balance.
Gift Card True Value
Gift card true value accounts for monthly inactivity fees and time until you use it.
Value After Fees = Face Value − (Monthly Fee × Months Until Use)
Federal gift card rules (CARD Act):
- Gift cards cannot expire for 5 years from purchase
- Inactivity fees cannot start until 12 months of no activity
- Fees must be clearly disclosed
Common gift card fees:
- Retail store cards: Usually no fees
- Visa/Mastercard prepaid: $3–7 purchase fee, sometimes $2–3/month inactivity fee after 12 months
- Restaurant cards: Usually no fees
- Mall gift cards: Sometimes $2–3/month after 12 months
Tips to maximize gift card value:
- Use them sooner rather than later
- Register cards online to protect against loss
- Check balances regularly
- Re-gift or sell unwanted cards (you’ll get 80–92% of value)
- Set a phone reminder before fees kick in