- That gift check sitting in your wallet might still be valid, and the law could be on your side.
- Under the Gift Check Act of 2017 (RA 10962), sellers and issuers are prohibited from putting expiry dates on gift checks that were purchased with cash. They also cannot refuse to honor the unused balance stored in them.
- But here's the important distinction: gift checks issued under loyalty, rewards, or promotional programs are not covered by this law. Coupons or vouchers exchangeable for a specific product or discount are also excluded.
That gift check sitting in your wallet might still be valid, and the law could be on your side.
Under the Gift Check Act of 2017 (RA 10962), sellers and issuers are prohibited from putting expiry dates on gift checks that were purchased with cash. They also cannot refuse to honor the unused balance stored in them.
But here's the important distinction: gift checks issued under loyalty, rewards, or promotional programs are not covered by this law. Coupons or vouchers exchangeable for a specific product or discount are also excluded.
So before assuming your gift check is still valid, check how you got it:
Got it as a purchased gift check or gift card? No expiry allowed by law.
Got it as part of a promo, loyalty program, or reward? It may carry an expiry date, and that's legal.
A few other things worth knowing: stores cannot refuse a valid purchased gift check. Your remaining balance carries over to your next purchase. And if a store refuses to honor one illegally, you can file a complaint with the DTI.
Know someone who's been sitting on a gift check? Share this with them; it might still be worth something.
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