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(PSA)Get Your Cash Back: Know Your Rights on Gift Cards!
December 2, 2024 at
10:15 AM
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Get Your Cash Back: What to Know About Did you know that in many states, you can get cash back on your gift cards if the remaining balance is below a certain amount? It's a lesser-known consumer right that can save you from letting a few unused dollars go to waste. Whether it's the last $2.50 from a coffee shop gift card or $4.75 from a retail store card, those small balances can add up—and you don't have to let them sit unused. Here's how it works and what you need to know to make the most of your gift cards.
How Gift Card Cash-Back Laws Work
State laws set the rules for when and how you can request cash back for low gift card balances. Typically, if your remaining balance is below a specific threshold (commonly $5 or $10), you're entitled to get that amount in cash directly from the retailer. However, the threshold varies by state, and not all states have this rule in place.
1. California – $10 or less
2. Colorado – $5 or less
3. Connecticut – Less than $3
4. Hawaii – Less than $5
5. Maine – $5 or less
6. Massachusetts – $5 or less (only if the card has been used at least once)
7. Montana – Less than $5
8. New Jersey – Less than $5 (only if the card has been used at least once and has a balance under $5 after 24 months)
9. Oregon – $5 or less
10. Puerto Rico – $5 or less
11. Rhode Island – Less than $1
12. Vermont – $1 or less
13. Washington – $5 or less
How to Request Cash Back
If your state has a cash-back law, requesting a refund is usually simple:
1. Check your card's balance. Many cards let you check online or via customer service.
2. Visit the retailer where the gift card is accepted.
3. Politely ask for a cash refund, mentioning your state law if necessary.
Most store employees should be familiar with the policy, but you may need to explain or escalate the request to a manager if they're unsure.
Tips for Maximizing Your Gift Cards
• Know Your State Laws: Check your state's cash-back threshold and keep it in mind when using gift cards.
• Don't Wait Too Long: Some cards may have expiration dates or fees, though these are often restricted by federal law.
• Combine Small Balances: If you have multiple cards with tiny amounts, consider combining them for a single purchase before requesting cash.
Final Thoughts
Gift cards are a great way to save or treat yourself, but leftover balances shouldn't go to waste. If you're in a state with cash-back laws, take advantage of this opportunity to reclaim your money. It's your right as a consumer, and every little bit helps!
Mod if you want to clean up and make a sticky please do
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/rpt/2015-R-0095.htm
How Gift Card Cash-Back Laws Work
State laws set the rules for when and how you can request cash back for low gift card balances. Typically, if your remaining balance is below a specific threshold (commonly $5 or $10), you're entitled to get that amount in cash directly from the retailer. However, the threshold varies by state, and not all states have this rule in place.
1. California – $10 or less
2. Colorado – $5 or less
3. Connecticut – Less than $3
4. Hawaii – Less than $5
5. Maine – $5 or less
6. Massachusetts – $5 or less (only if the card has been used at least once)
7. Montana – Less than $5
8. New Jersey – Less than $5 (only if the card has been used at least once and has a balance under $5 after 24 months)
9. Oregon – $5 or less
10. Puerto Rico – $5 or less
11. Rhode Island – Less than $1
12. Vermont – $1 or less
13. Washington – $5 or less
How to Request Cash Back
If your state has a cash-back law, requesting a refund is usually simple:
1. Check your card's balance. Many cards let you check online or via customer service.
2. Visit the retailer where the gift card is accepted.
3. Politely ask for a cash refund, mentioning your state law if necessary.
Most store employees should be familiar with the policy, but you may need to explain or escalate the request to a manager if they're unsure.
Tips for Maximizing Your Gift Cards
• Know Your State Laws: Check your state's cash-back threshold and keep it in mind when using gift cards.
• Don't Wait Too Long: Some cards may have expiration dates or fees, though these are often restricted by federal law.
• Combine Small Balances: If you have multiple cards with tiny amounts, consider combining them for a single purchase before requesting cash.
Final Thoughts
Gift cards are a great way to save or treat yourself, but leftover balances shouldn't go to waste. If you're in a state with cash-back laws, take advantage of this opportunity to reclaim your money. It's your right as a consumer, and every little bit helps!
Mod if you want to clean up and make a sticky please do
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/rpt/2015-R-0095.htm
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As far as I know those are the only states but do look up your state.
Where should I post it because it should be a sticky
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I also suggest everyone subscribe to the forum as many great posts show up here. And IDK what you mean by a sticky, but there really is no such thing for these posts. I think you mean they should not remove it. They did not...
This forum has been made available for several years now. We lobbied for it for years because of all the hate when posting heads-up and PSA posts in "hot deals" was not an appropriate spot and they usually got negative responses and TDs.
I also suggest everyone subscribe to the forum as many great posts show up here. And IDK what you mean by a sticky, but there really is no such thing for these posts. I think you mean they should not remove it. They did not...
This forum has been made available for several years now. We lobbied for it for years because of all the hate when posting heads-up and PSA posts in "hot deals" was not an appropriate spot and they usually got negative responses and TDs.
Exactly it's something a lot of people don't know
You can certainly ask mods to consider it, but posting your request in the thread may or may not get their attention, and they may or may not take that action. Good luck.
Of note:
For those who don't know, we can pin a thread as a personal sticky.
I understand now that you meant that you believe SD should put it as an official Consumer Awareness sticky. There have been so many important threads here that they did not do that with. There would be pages of stickies by now. Again, I suggest everyone subscribe to this forum. Then you can decide the most important threads to pin as your own sticky.