Start with a snapshot of how Utah treats gift cards and store credit. Then, use the later sections to dive deeper into expiration dates, fees, scams, and what to do if a retailer refuses to honor a balance.

Most gift cards issued for personal, family, or household use cannot expire for at least five years from the date they were activated. This protection comes mainly from federal law, but Utah consumer rules reinforce the idea that any expiration terms must be clear and conspicuous.

A Utah retailer cannot simply declare your card “too old” if it is within the legally allowed period. If any expiration date applies, it should be printed on the card, packaging, or included in clear written terms at the time of purchase.

Store credit is different. Because it usually represents a refund rather than a purchase, a business may set stricter timelines. That said, Utah expects those limits to be disclosed up front. If the store never mentioned an expiration but later tries to wipe out your credit, that may be an unfair practice you can push back on.

For a broader look at how Utah statutes protect consumers in everyday transactions, you can also review our guide to key Utah statutes.

Gift cards lose half their value when fees quietly nibble away at the balance. Utah and federal law therefore put tight limits on “dormancy,” “maintenance,” and other service fees for most consumer gift cards.

Generally, an inactivity fee is only allowed if:

• The fee and timing are clearly disclosed before or at the time of purchase, and
• The card has been inactive for at least 12 months, and
• Fees are not assessed so often that they quickly zero out the card.

If you see a fee applied earlier than 12 months, or a fee that was never mentioned when the card was sold, you may have grounds to challenge that charge. Screenshots, receipts, and the physical card itself all help if you need to complain to the retailer or to a regulator.

These same “no surprises” principles echo Utah’s broader unfair and deceptive practices rules explained in our deeper dive on Utah UDAP enforcement trends.

If a gift card is valid and shows a remaining balance, the store must honor it at the register. Utah law does not allow a business to refuse redemption simply because the card has been in your wallet for a long time, unless a lawful and clearly disclosed expiration date has actually passed.

Many retailers will let you apply small leftover balances to purchases. Some national chains voluntarily give cash when the remaining balance drops below a few dollars, although Utah does not require this for every store.

Things get more complicated if the business shutters or files for bankruptcy. At that point, your card may only be usable if the bankruptcy court allows it. Consumers can sometimes file a creditor claim for unused balances, but that is usually a slow process with no guarantee of full recovery.

If you hear rumors that a Utah retailer is closing, it is wise to use any remaining gift cards or store credits quickly long before the last day of business.

Utah law does not guarantee automatic reimbursement if your gift card is lost or stolen, but many retailers will work with you if you can prove ownership. Helpful documents include the original receipt, an email confirmation, a photo of the card, or transaction records showing when and where it was purchased.

Modern gift card scams add another layer of risk. Some criminals quietly record numbers from cards hanging on racks, wait for someone to load money, and then drain the funds online. Others ask victims to pay “taxes,” “bail,” or “utility bills” using gift cards classic red flags.

If you purchase a card that turns out to be empty or clearly tampered with, Utah’s consumer protection tools may come into play. You can raise the issue with the retailer, contact the card issuer, and consider a complaint under unfair or deceptive practices rules if the store sold obviously compromised cards.

Never share a gift card number or PIN with someone you do not fully trust. Anyone who insists on gift cards as the only way to pay is almost certainly running a scam.

Gift cards and store credit feel similar at the register, but Utah law treats them differently behind the scenes.

Gift cards are usually bought with cash or a card and are covered by federal rules requiring long expiration periods and limiting fees. They are designed for gifting and regular shopping.

Store credit usually comes from returns especially when you do not have a receipt or when the return window has technically closed. Businesses have more flexibility to set the rules, but they must still disclose any expiration or conditions.

Some Utah retailers convert store credit into a card that looks and functions exactly like a regular gift card. In that situation, many of the same consumer protections will effectively apply, especially around fees and clear terms.

If you are not sure which you have, ask at the customer service desk: “Is this treated as a gift card or as store credit?” Knowing the label can tell you a lot about the rules that apply.