How long does a gift card last?

The short but satisfying answer is that it varies from retailer to retailer. Most UK retailers set expiry dates between 12 and 24 months from the date of purchase, sometimes called the date of issue. However you'll find everything from six-month validity periods to cards that never expire or run indefinitely.

In the UK, expiry dates are allowed for vouchers and gift cards as long as the buyer was made aware of the expiry or validity period at the time of purchase. This means retailers must clearly display the validity period when you're buying, not hide it in tiny print.

The validity period typically starts from the date of purchase, not when you first use the card. This means your countdown begins the moment you buy it, whether it's for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Some retailers are more generous and start the validity period from the first transaction, giving you even more flexibility, but this arrangement is rarely offered. 

Some examples of common validity periods include:

• Short-term cards: Costa Coffee, 12 months
• Standard period: Habitat, The Body Shop, 24 months
• Extended validity: Amazon, 10 years; Argos, 3 years
• No expiry: IKEA, Selfridges, Starbucks, Foot Locker, Homesense

The key point to remember is that you should always check the specific terms when purchasing a gift card. Look for the expiry date or validity period in the terms and conditions and if you’re still not sure ask at the point of sale. 

When you purchase any gift card through our platform, you’ll receive an email confirming your order along with instructions for use and terms and conditions.  

The UK has some interesting laws on vouchers and gift cards. UK retailers are not obligated to set a specific expiration date on vouchers such as gift cards. No minimum or maximum term is enforced meaning retailers are free to set expiration dates or validity periods as they please.

The UK law differs from other countries in that the UK retailers have complete freedom to set their own terms. In Ireland, retailers set a minimum 5-year validity period as does US federal law where gift cards must have a minimum validity period of 5 years. 

However, UK retailers can’t take advantage of validity periods. For expiry dates to be enforceable, they must be clearly described at the point of sale. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides legal protection to buyers. For example, terms and conditions that are too restrictive or hidden away in small print may be unenforceable. If a retailer is found to have set an unreasonably short expiry period, this could be challenged and judged to be unfair.

There's also been calls for changes to UK laws on gift vouchers. There have been proposals to enforce a minimum two-year validity period on all gift cards and vouchers. The UK Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) is actively campaigning to encourage businesses to use expiry dates of at least two years.

Found an expired gift card and wondering what your options are? Don't chuck it immediately as you might still have some options available to you. 

The harsh truth is that retailers are not legally obliged to accept expired gift vouchers. However, some retailers will accept them as a goodwill gesture. The chances of this happening largely depends on the retailer's customer service policy and your approach.

Here’s how to go about it.

Contact the retailer directly
Many companies will extend expired cards as a goodwill gesture, especially if you're a regular customer or if the card only recently expired. Although they're under no obligation to extend gift cards, many retailers may choose to do so.

Check if terms weren't clear
If the expiry date wasn't prominently displayed when you bought the card, you might have grounds for an extension.

Be polite but persistent
Customer service representatives often have discretion to help, especially if you explain the circumstances and that you intend to put the remaining value of the card towards a larger purchase.

Know when to give up
If a company has gone bust or been sold, you're likely out of luck as new owners won't be responsible for previous liabilities.

The best way to deal with gift card expiry is simple: don't let it happen in the first place. Here’s some practical tips and advice for making sure you redeem the value of your gift card before it expires. 

Set phone reminders immediately
As soon as you purchase a gift card, check the expiry date and set a reminder on your phone for a month before it expires. This gives you plenty of time to plan your spending.

Take a photo of the card
Flag or save the email you received confirming purchase of a digital gift card. If you have a physical card, take pictures of both sides and save them in a dedicated album on your phone.

Create a gift card wallet
Keep all your gift cards in one place, either a specific section of your physical wallet or a digital wallet app that sends expiry reminders.

Use them for regular purchases
Don't save gift cards for "special occasions". Instead, use them for things you'd normally buy anyway. That supermarket gift card? Perfect for your weekly shop.

Check the terms for partial use
Many digital gift cards allow partial redemption, so you don't have to spend the full amount in one go. This makes it easier to use them up gradually.

Follow retailers on social media
Many companies announce sales on their social channels, which gives you a great reason to spend the value of your gift cards.

Consider gift card exchange services
If you have a gift card for a store you never visit, some legitimate services allow you to swap it for one you'll actually use.
Gift cards are meant to bring joy, not stress. By staying organised and making sure you purchase the right gift card, you'll never have to worry about expiry dates again. 

When giving a gift card as a gift, consider gift cards that give the holder more options to spend how they like, such as the All-in 1 Choice gift card. This is the ultimate gift card that lets the holder mix and match over 250 different retailers on a single gift card!