Understanding the Terms and Conditions of Gift Cards

08 July 2025

Gift cards are a convenient and thoughtful gift, whether you're buying for a birthday, holiday or just because. But before you hit that “buy now” button, there’s one thing you should never skip: reading the gift card terms and conditions. These small but essential details tell you exactly how a card works – from where and when it can be used, to expiration dates and refund policies. Understanding them helps you avoid surprises and ensures you get the most out of your gift.

Gift Card terms and conditions explained

Although terms can vary slightly per retailer, most gift card terms and conditions include a few standard rules. Here’s what you need to know:

Validity Period

Every gift card comes with an expiration date. Some are valid for 12 months, others for 2 years or longer. It’s crucial to use your gift card before this period ends, as unspent balances may be lost after expiry.

Where to Spend

Some cards are store-specific, meaning they can only be redeemed at a particular retailer. Others, like multi-store or category cards, are valid across a selection of brands. Always check whether the gift card can be used online, in-store or both.

Partial Spending & Balance Checks

Many gift cards let you spend part of the balance and save the rest for later. You can usually check your remaining balance online or via the retailer’s app. This makes it easy to track how much you have left to spend.

Non-Refundable

Once purchased, most gift cards are non-refundable. If you lose the card or change your mind, you won’t be able to get a refund – unless it’s faulty. Always double-check the refund policy in the terms.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Retailers usually aren't responsible for lost or stolen cards. Some may offer a replacement if you have proof of purchase, but this isn’t guaranteed. Treat your gift card like cash and keep it safe.

Want to shop with confidence? Discover all our available gift cards and always check the terms before you buy.