Gift card refunds depend on who issued the card and why you want the refund

Whether you can get money back for a gift card depends on the retailer's policy, the reason you're seeking a refund, and which state you live in. Some retailers will refund unused gift cards; others will not. A few states require refunds under certain conditions. If someone gave you a gift card and you want to return it, your options are narrower than if you bought it yourself.

The short answer: check the retailer's policy first. If they won't refund it, look up your state's gift card law. If neither helps, you may be able to sell or transfer the card, but that comes with its own risks.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major retailers do not refund unused gift cards, but some will if you have the original receipt and the card has not been used.
  • A handful of states—including California, New York, and Illinois—require retailers to refund gift cards under specific conditions, usually after a set period of inactivity.
  • If a retailer refuses a refund and your state has no gift card law, you can try to sell the card on a secondary market, though you will typically receive less than face value.
  • If someone gave you the card as a gift, the original purchaser may be able to request a refund using their receipt, depending on the retailer.
  • Fraudulent or stolen gift cards are handled differently—contact the retailer's fraud department when ready if you suspect the card was obtained illegally.

What major retailers will and will not refund

Most large retailers—Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon—do not refund unused gift cards as a matter of policy. Their terms of service typically state that gift cards are non-refundable. However, some retailers make exceptions if you have the original receipt and the card has never been used. Target, for example, will sometimes refund an unused gift card if you bring the receipt within a certain timeframe, though this is not may provide and depends on the store location.

Smaller retailers and restaurants vary widely. Some local businesses will refund gift cards if asked directly, especially if the card is new and unused. Others treat them as final sales. The only way to know is to contact the retailer directly—call the customer service number on the back of the card or visit a store in person. Have the card number and any receipt ready.

If you bought the gift card yourself and still have the receipt, you have a stronger position than someone who received it as a gift. The original purchaser can sometimes return an unused card for a refund, even if the retailer's stated policy says no. This is because some retailers treat gift card purchases like any other purchase and allow returns within their standard return window (usually 30 to 90 days).

State laws that require gift card refunds

A small number of states have laws that override a retailer's no-refund policy. These laws typically explore to unused gift cards or cards with low remaining balances.

California requires retailers to refund the cash value of a gift card if the balance is $10 or less, or if the card has been inactive for more than three years. New York requires refunds for unused gift cards after five years of inactivity. Illinois requires retailers to refund unused gift cards if requested, with some exceptions for certain card types. Massachusetts requires refunds for unused gift cards after two years.

Other states have partial protections—for example, some require retailers to honor gift cards for at least five years and to refund remaining balances if the retailer closes. Check your state's attorney general website or search "[your state] gift card law" to see what applies where you live. If your state has a law in your favor, you can cite it when you contact the retailer.

How to request a refund directly from the retailer

Start by contacting the retailer's customer service department. Call the number on the back of the card or visit their website. Explain that you have an unused gift card and ask about their refund policy. Be specific: state the card number (or the last four digits if they ask for security), the amount, and when it was purchased or received.

If the retailer says no, ask to speak with a manager or escalate to a supervisor. Sometimes the first representative you reach does not have authority to make exceptions. If you live in a state with a gift card law, mention it: "I understand your policy, but [state name] law requires refunds for unused cards after [timeframe]. Can you process this?" This often prompts a second look.

If the retailer still refuses and you have the original receipt, try returning to a physical store location. In-person requests sometimes succeed where phone calls do not, especially for smaller retailers. Bring the card and the receipt. Again, be direct and calm—the goal is to get the person helping you to see you as someone with a legitimate request, not someone trying to game the system.

Selling or transferring a gift card you cannot refund

If the retailer will not refund the card and your state has no law requiring them to, you can sell it on a secondary market. Websites like CardCash, Raise, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards at a discount—typically 70 to 90 percent of face value, depending on the retailer and demand.

The process is straightforward: you enter the card details on the site, they verify the balance, and if they accept it, you receive payment via check, PayPal, or store credit. The discount exists because the buyer is taking on the risk that the card might be invalid or have a lower balance than stated. Some sites offer higher payouts for popular retailers like Amazon or Target.

Be aware that selling a gift card you received as a gift is legal, but some retailers' terms of service technically prohibit it. In practice, enforcement is rare. The bigger risk is that you will receive significantly less than the card's face value. If the card is for a retailer you actually use, it is usually better to keep it and use it later than to sell it at a loss.

What to do if someone gave you the card and you want a refund

If you received a gift card as a gift and want to return it, your options are limited. The retailer will usually only refund the original purchaser, not the recipient. You would need to ask the person who gave you the card to request the refund using their receipt.

Alternatively, you can ask the gift-giver if they would accept an exchange—for example, if they bought you a $50 Target card but you prefer Amazon, they might be willing to return the Target card and buy you an Amazon card instead. This is a conversation between you and the person who gave you the gift, not something the retailer can help with.

If you do not want to have that conversation, your other options are to use the card at the retailer, give it to someone else, or sell it on a secondary market at a discount.

Gift cards obtained through fraud or theft

If you suspect a gift card was stolen, fraudulently obtained, or purchased with a stolen payment method, contact the retailer's fraud department when ready. Do not use the card. Provide the card number and any information about how you received it.

The retailer will investigate and may freeze the card or cancel it. If you are the victim of fraud—for example, someone stole your payment information and bought a gift card in your name—report it to the retailer and to your credit card company or bank. You may be able to dispute the charge and recover the money, depending on your bank's fraud policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a gift card if I have the receipt but someone else gave it to me?

Probably not. Most retailers will only refund the original purchaser, not the recipient. You would need to ask the person who bought the card to return it themselves using their receipt. If they are unwilling or unavailable, your options are to use the card, give it away, or sell it on a secondary market.

What happens if a gift card expires?

Federal law prohibits gift cards from expiring for at least five years. However, some states require longer periods, and some retailers voluntarily extend expiration dates. Check the card's terms or contact the retailer. If a card has expired, you may still be able to request a refund or reactivation, especially if your state has a gift card law.

Can I get a refund if I used part of the gift card?

Refunds for partially used gift cards are rare. Most retailers will not refund the remaining balance unless your state law requires it or the balance is very low (like $10 or less in California). Your best option is to use the remaining balance or sell the card on a secondary market.

How long does it take to get a refund if the retailer agrees?

If the retailer approves a refund, it typically takes three to seven business days for the money to appear in your account, depending on the payment method. If you paid with a credit card, the refund may take longer to post. Ask the retailer for a timeline when you request the refund.

What if the retailer is out of business?

If the retailer has closed permanently, your gift card is likely worthless. Some states have laws requiring retailers to refund unused gift cards if they go out of business, but enforcement is difficult. Check your state's attorney general website to see if you can file a claim. You may also be able to file a claim against the retailer's bankruptcy estate if one exists.