Joined Mar 2006
L3: Novice
Forum Thread
(PSA)Get Your Cash Back: Know Your Rights on Gift Cards!
December 14, 2025 at
04:40 PM
in
Finance
(3)
Thread Details
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.
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.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/rpt/2015-R-0095.htm
About the OP
3 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.