Released on December 23, 2019
With gift cards being a popular holiday gift choice, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) wants consumers to know the rules surrounding gift cards and their usage. Consumers often have concerns surrounding fees, expiration and redemption.
Here are some tips to know when using gift cards:
- There are no additional fees. Gift cards, unlike credit cards, should not have post purchase activation fees, usage fees, or annual/monthly payments.
- Gift cards can’t expire, except for a few exceptions. Gift cards that are purchased and sold in Saskatchewan don’t have expiration dates. The only time an expiry date is allowed on a gift card is if you received the card after making a donation to a charity or nothing of value was provided to obtain the card. (For example, free promotional gift cards distributed for advertising purposes can have expiry dates).
- Use your gift cards promptly. If a store goes out of business, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to recover the value from your card.
- When buying a gift card, make sure to read the fine print. By reading the fine print, you will know all the limits the card has prior to purchase.
For more information, visit http://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/consumers-investors-pension-plan-members/consumers/consumers-of-goods-and-services/gift-cards.
Contact Consumer Protection Division
The Consumer Protection Division may be able to help consumers with gift card disputes. Consumers can call toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Shannon McMillan
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4160
Email: shannon.mcmillan@gov.sk.ca