Gift Cards and Vouchers

Your rights and obligations for gift cards and vouchers

Our guidance around gift cards and vouchers, and what you need to know as a retailer if you accept them in your store.

Gift card means a card or voucher (either physical or digital form) that is redeemable for goods or services. Some stores issue their own gift cards or vouchers, which are only usable at those specific retailers. There are also pre-paid cards with a stored value, which may be used at businesses that accept debit or credit cards. Depending on the type of gift card or voucher your customer is using, there may be specific terms or conditions that apply.

Giving change

If a customer does not spend the full amount of the gift card, they can redeem the remaining balance at a later date. You can give change in cash if the amount is less than $5. However, you do not need to do so unless the terms of the voucher state this. If your business issues gift cards or vouchers, make sure your staff are well trained in your specific terms and conditions.

Expired gift cards

If a gift card is expired, you have no obligation to accept it. If no expiry date is stated, there is no limit on how long customers can use the gift card.

In September 2024 the Fair Trading (Gift Card Expiry) Amendment bill was passed and will take effect by March 2026.

Businesses who issue gift cards and vouchers will need to ensure that, once the bill is in effect:

Eligible gift cards and vouchers have expiry dates no less than three years from the date of sale
The expiry date must be printed on the gift card in one of the following ways:
- A specific expiry date
- The month and year in which the gift card ceases to be redeemable
- The date the card is sold, and a statement that identifies the period during which the gift card can be redeemed
- A statement indicating that the gift card does not expire

A card or voucher supplied in substitution for good returned to the supplier of the goods; or
A prepaid card or voucher redeemable for telecommunications services, public transport, or electricity, gas, for water services; or
A debit card, credit card, prepaid travel card, or similar card that allows the withdrawal of cash; or
A card or voucher supplied as part of a loyalty programme (other than a card supplied in exchange for a reduction in customer loyalty points [so purchased gift cards that are purchased via points are included and vouchers that given away as part of a promotion are excluded].
A card or voucher redeemable only for goods or services at a limited time event (such as a festival, concert, etc.)
A card or voucher sold principally to raise funds for a charitable purpose.

Lost or stolen gift cards

If a customer loses their gift voucher you don’t have to replace it. However, you might choose to do so if it was made out to the customer specifically and is not transferable to anyone else. Check your terms and conditions to make sure you are adhering to them, and keep good records of gift card sales so that you can easily verify the customer’s details.