Free tool
🇦🇺🇺🇸 Australia & USIs my gift card actually expired?
A short expiry date printed on a gift card is often just wrong in law. Australia requires gift cards to stay redeemable for at least 3 years; the United States requires at least 5 years under federal law. Both countries also heavily restrict the fees a business can quietly deduct from a card's balance.
This tool asks what happened with your card and tells you whether the business is actually right, or whether the law is on your side.
Some US states set stronger gift card protections than the federal floor described here (a handful ban expiry entirely) — this tool covers the federal minimum that applies everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 3-year (Australia) or 5-year (US) minimum apply to every gift card?
In Australia, it applies to gift cards and vouchers supplied on or after 1 November 2019, with narrow exceptions (like cards given away for free as part of a promotion, or cards for a specific event or limited stock clearance). In the US, the Credit CARD Act's 5-year minimum applies to most general-use prepaid and store gift cards, with some exemptions for cards obtained through loyalty/rewards/promotional programs.
What if the business has gone into administration or closed down?
That changes things — an insolvent business generally cannot be forced to honour a gift card the way a trading one can, and you may need to lodge a claim as a creditor instead. This tool covers a trading business refusing to honour a valid card, not an insolvency situation.
Can a business ever legally charge a fee on a gift card?
In Australia, no post-purchase fee that reduces the card's value is allowed at all. In the US, an inactivity fee is allowed, but only after 12 months of non-use, capped at one fee per month, and it must be disclosed on the card.
Does this cover digital or e-gift cards too?
Yes — both the Australian and US rules apply regardless of whether the card is physical or digital.
What should I keep as evidence?
The purchase receipt or confirmation email (it shows the purchase date, which is what the minimum expiry period counts from), a photo of the card itself, and any statement or portal screenshot showing a fee was deducted.
What if I lost the receipt?
Check your bank or card statement for the purchase, or the retailer's own loyalty/order history if you bought it while logged in — either can establish the purchase date even without the original receipt.
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screwtheman.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This tool gives general information on consumer rights and dispute pathways based on public guidance. For complex legal matters, consult a qualified lawyer or the relevant regulator.