Gift Cards

Gift cards are a type of pre-paid purchase card. While convenient and versatile, there are important rules and limitations you should be aware of before buying or using them.
 

Here are some tips to consider when purchasing and receiving gift cards.

• Gift Cards Do Not Expire
• Read the Fine Print
• No Additional Fees
• Use Your Cards Promptly
• Make Sure the Card Has Not Been Tampered with
• Frequently Asked Questions

 

Gift Cards Do Not Expire

The balance on gift cards in Saskatchewan do not expire. There may be exceptions for gift cards that are issued for charitable purposes or those received where nothing of value is provided for the card. Conditions and restrictions need to be disclosed clearly at time of purchase.
 

Read the Fine Print

When buying or using a gift card, make sure to read the fine print. The fine print should include all the rules and information you should know before purchasing.
 

No Additional Fees

Gift card issuers are generally not permitted to charge any extra fees or payments outside of the initial purchase price unless the card has been issued for a charitable purpose or where the consumer provides nothing of value for the card. Fees may also be permitted to customize a gift card, or to replace a lost or stolen card.
 

Use Your Cards Promptly

If a retailer goes out of business before you have used your card, it is unlikely that you will be able to recover its value.
 

Make Sure the Card Has Not Been Tampered with

Before purchasing a gift card, check to see if the card looks used. If it looks as though it has been used or swiped on a machine, do not purchase it.
 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What is a Prepaid Purchase Card?
• What is Not Considered a Prepaid Purchase Card?
• Can There Be Restrictions to a Prepaid Purchase Card?
• Are There Any Exceptions to the No-Expiry Rule?
• Are There Any Exceptions to the No-Fee Rule?
• What Happens if I Lose My Prepaid Purchase Card or It Does Not Work?
• What If I Buy a Card That Shows an Expiry Date?
• Who Can I Contact If I Have a Prepaid Purchase Card and the Business Is Not Complying With the Rules?

 

What is a Prepaid Purchase Card?

A prepaid purchase card is an electronic card, written certificate, or other voucher or device with a monetary value. It is issued or sold in exchange for the future purchase or delivery of goods or services.

Examples of Prepaid Purchase Cards

• Gift cards or gift certificates.
• Recreation or entertainment vouchers.
• Pre-loaded money cards often offered by credit card companies.
• Prepaid vouchers, passes, or tickets that can be redeemed for goods or services in the future.

 

What is Not Considered a Prepaid Purchase Card?

The rules for prepaid purchase cards do not apply to:

• Tickets for specific events (like concerts or sports games).
• Time-limited memberships that are not “punch-per-use” cards (such as a one-year membership that expires after a year or a monthly membership that expires after that month).

 

Can There Be Restrictions to a Prepaid Purchase Card?

Yes, businesses can set some rules, such as:

• The fees that the business will charge to customize or replace a lost or stolen prepaid purchase card.
• The expiry date for prepaid purchase cards that are permitted to expire.

• Whether to offer refunds on unused portions of the card.

• Limiting the usage for a prepaid purchase card to certain days or seasons.
   

If there are conditions:

• A description of all restrictions must be provided at the time the card is issued or sold.
• The amount printed or shown on the card ("face value") must be honoured if all the conditions and restrictions, including a permitted expiry date, are abided by.

 

Are There Any Exceptions to the No-Expiry Rule?

The balance on most prepaid purchase cards cannot expire, but there are two exceptions:

• If the card is issued for a charitable purpose, it can have an expiry date.
• If you did not provide anything of value for the card, it can have an expiry date.

 

Are There Any Exceptions to the No-Fee Rule?

Most prepaid purchase cards, including gift cards, cannot have extra fees, but there are a few exceptions:

• If the card is issued for a charitable purpose, fees are allowed.
• If you did not provide anything of value for the card, fees are allowed.
• A business can charge a fee to customize a card.
• A fee can be charged to replace a lost or stolen card.

 

What Happens if I Lose My Prepaid Purchase Card or It Does Not Work?

If you lose your prepaid purchase card or it stops working:

• Contact the business right away: Ask if they can issue you a new card.
• Keep your receipt: You will likely need to provide the business with proof of purchase.
• Replacement fees: The business may charge a fee to replace a lost or stolen card.

 

What If I Buy a Card That Shows an Expiry Date?

Some stores may still have older cards that show an expiry date. Here is what you need to know:

• Cards bought before November 10, 2008: The expiry date applies.
• Cards bought on or after November 10, 2008: The expiry date does not apply to the balance on the card, even if it applies to the physical card.
• Keep your receipt: It proves when you bought the card.
• Retailer responsibility: A retailer is required to provide consumers with a description of all restrictions on the card, including a permitted expire date.

 

Who Can I Contact If I Have a Prepaid Purchase Card and the Business Is Not Complying With the Rules?

Consumer Protection Division
4th Floor, 2365 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4P 4K1
Phone: 306-787-5550
Toll Free: 1-877-880-5550
Fax: 306-787-9779