Key Highlights
Have an unwanted gift card and wondering what to do? Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about gift card returns.
- Most retailers have a strict, non-refundable gift card refund policy, making store returns difficult.
- Some states, like California, have laws requiring a cash refund for small gift card balances.
- A few retailers, such as Amazon, may offer refunds under specific conditions, often requiring you to contact customer service.
- If you can’t get a cash refund, you can sell, exchange, or donate your gift card.
- Returning items bought with a gift card usually results in store credit, not cash.
Why People Want to Return Gift Cards
Have you ever received a gift card to a store you never shop at? It’s a common experience. People often seek a refund for an unwanted gift card simply because it doesn’t fit their needs or interests, leaving them with a piece of plastic they can’t use.
Other times, you might receive duplicate gifts for a special occasion. Instead of letting that value go to waste, you might want to return the card. Whether it was a mistaken purchase or you simply changed your mind after buying it, the reasons for wanting to return a gift card are as varied as the cards themselves.
Common Reasons for Wanting a Refund or Exchange
Wondering if you can cancel a gift card purchase and get your money back? It often depends on the store’s policy and why you want the refund. Many people find themselves with unwanted cards for perfectly valid reasons. You might hope to get the full value of the gift back in a more usable form.
The desire for a refund can stem from several common scenarios. Maybe the gift card arrived late, or you bought it on an impulse and later regretted the decision. Sometimes, the card you receive just isn’t a good fit for your lifestyle.
Other frequent reasons include:
- The gift card was different from how it was advertised.
- You found a better offer somewhere else after the purchase.
- The card was purchased as a gift, but you decided to give something else.
In these cases, you might try to return the card, hoping it’s still in its original condition.
Mistaken Purchases and Duplicate Gifts
Accidents happen. You might accidentally buy a gift card for the wrong store or purchase one for yourself only to receive the same one as a gift. These instances of a mistaken purchase or duplicate gifts are a primary reason people look into the refund policy of a retailer. Having a card you know you won’t use feels wasteful, and getting your money back seems like the most logical solution.
If you find yourself in this situation, your first step should be to check the store’s rules. Do you still have the receipt? Having proof of purchase is often the first requirement for any type of return, though it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a refund for a gift card. Many stores explicitly state that all gift card sales are final, even with a receipt.
However, it’s always worth asking. Some stores may make an exception, especially if the gift card is unused and you have the original receipt. Don’t assume it’s a lost cause without first checking the specific policy or speaking with a customer service representative about your duplicate gifts.
General Store Policies on Gift Card Returns
The unfortunate truth for most shoppers is that the majority of retailers enforce a strict no-refund policy for gift cards. Once a gift card is purchased, it is generally considered a final sale. This means you typically cannot bring it back for store returns or exchange it for cash, even if it’s completely unused.
This policy helps stores prevent fraud and manage their finances. When you’re considering a gift card purchase, it’s wise to assume you won’t be able to return it. However, there are always exceptions and specific circumstances to consider. Let’s look at the typical rules across major retailers and the importance of your receipt.
Typical Rules and Restrictions Across Major Retailers
When it comes to gift card returns, the rules for major retailers are quite firm. Most vendors, including giants like Apple and Walmart, explicitly state that gift cards are non-refundable. This means that once you buy the card, you cannot get a cash refund or store credit for it. Time limits or original packaging don’t usually matter because the sale is considered final from the start.
This “no refund” stance is the industry standard. However, a few stores have policies that offer a sliver of hope, though often with significant hurdles. For example, some may only consider a refund if ordered by a court. It’s a clear signal that routine store returns for gift cards are not part of their business model.
Here’s a quick overview of policies at some major retailers:
| Retailer | General Gift Card Refund Policy |
|---|---|
| Apple | Follows a strict no-refund policy. |
| Walmart | Gift cards are non-refundable. |
| Amazon | May provide refunds through its dedicated return center. |
| Target | No refunds unless required by law (e.g., court order). |
| Visa/Mastercard | Prepaid gift cards are generally non-refundable. |
The Role of Receipts and Proof of Purchase
So, you have a gift card you don’t want, but you have the original receipt. Does that change anything? While a receipt is crucial for returning most merchandise, it often doesn’t help with a gift card refund. Most retailers’ policies explicitly state that gift card sales are final, regardless of whether you have proof of purchase.
However, you should always hold onto your receipt. In the rare cases where a retailer might make an exception, having the proof of purchase is your only chance. For online purchases, this could be the order number or a digital receipt. For example, if you’re attempting a return with a company like Amazon, having the order number is a necessary first step to even start the process with their customer service team.
Ultimately, while a receipt might not guarantee a refund, not having one almost certainly ensures you won’t get one. Think of it as a key that might unlock a door, but only if the store’s policy allows that door to be opened in the first place.
Are Gift Card Returns Ever Legally Required?
While most stores won’t give you a cash refund for a gift card, you might be wondering if there are any laws that can help. In most situations, getting a refund is not a legal right, as retailers are free to set their own policies. A store’s “all sales final” rule on gift cards is typically legally binding.
However, the answer changes depending on where you live. A handful of states have enacted specific laws that require businesses to provide a cash refund for gift cards in certain situations. These laws are the exception, not the rule. Let’s explore which state laws might help you and how they handle small balances.
State Laws on Cash Refunds for Gift Cards
Yes, some states do require stores to provide cash refunds for gift cards, but only under specific conditions. These state laws are designed to help consumers use the full value of their cards. If you live in one of these states, you may be in luck, especially if your gift card balance is low.
The most well-known example is California. According to California law, if your gift card balance is less than $10, you can request a cash refund for the remaining amount. This allows you to get your money back instead of being forced to make a small purchase or leave the balance unused. Several other states have similar provisions.
For instance, Massachusetts law allows you to get a cash refund if the value of the card is less than $5. While the specific amounts vary, these state laws provide a clear path to a refund that doesn’t exist in most other parts of the country. Always check your local regulations to see if you are entitled to a cash refund.
Special Provisions for Small Gift Card Balances
Dealing with small gift card balances can be frustrating. What can you do with a card that only has $1.75 left on it? This is exactly where special state laws come into play. These provisions are not about returning a full, unwanted gift card but about cashing out the small, leftover amounts that are otherwise inconvenient to use.
States like California and Massachusetts have led the way, creating laws that mandate a cash refund for these small balances. This means you can walk into a store, present your card, and walk out with the remaining cash value. It’s a consumer-friendly rule that prevents businesses from keeping the unspent money, often referred to as “breakage.”
If you don’t live in a state with these laws, you’re usually out of luck for a cash refund on small balances. Your only option is to spend the remaining amount. This highlights how impactful these specific state laws can be for consumers trying to get the full value from their gift cards.
Store-Specific Gift Card Return Policies
While the general rule is “no returns,” are there any stores that allow you to return or exchange gift cards? A few retailers do have exceptions in their refund policy, but they are rare and come with specific conditions. You can’t just walk in and expect a refund; you’ll likely need the original receipt and a valid reason.
Most major brands stand firm on their no-return stance to prevent fraud. However, some companies are known for their customer-centric approaches and may be more flexible. Let’s look at the policies for some of the biggest names in retail to see where you might have a chance.
Can You Return Amazon, Apple, or Walmart Gift Cards?
If you’ve made a mistaken purchase, your ability to return a gift card depends heavily on the retailer. Amazon is one of the few giants that may offer a refund. The company has a dedicated “Amazon Refunds” section on its website where you can find information and connect with customer service. A refund for an Amazon gift card can take a few hours to process even after approval, so patience is key.
On the other hand, Apple and Walmart adopt a much stricter approach. Both companies generally follow a no-refund policy for gift cards. This means that if you buy an Apple or Walmart gift card, the sale is considered final. You won’t be able to return it for cash or credit, even if it was bought by mistake.
This contrast highlights how important it is to check the policy before you buy. While Amazon provides a potential path to a refund, your options with retailers like Apple and Walmart are extremely limited, reinforcing the idea that most gift card sales are final.
Target, Best Buy, and Other Popular Retailers
What about other popular gift cards from retailers like Target and Best Buy? Their policies are generally as strict as others. Target’s return policy, for example, specifies that gift cards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or credit. There is one major exception: Target must provide a refund if required by a court of law. This means that for the average consumer, store returns are not an option.
Similarly, other electronics and department stores like Best Buy typically have firm no-return policies on gift cards to prevent potential scams and losses. The cash value of the card is locked with the retailer, and they have little incentive to buy it back.
For coffee lovers with a Starbucks eGift card, there’s a small window of opportunity. The card’s policy states that a refund may be possible, but only if the card has not been used. You will also need the original purchase receipt to even begin the inquiry. This shows that while rare, some brands do offer a path to a refund under very specific circumstances.
What Happens When You Return Items Bought with Gift Cards?
So, you used a gift card to buy some merchandise, but the item wasn’t right. What happens when you return it? Don’t expect to walk away with cash. When you return an item purchased with a gift card, retailers almost always issue the refund back to a gift card.
The store’s goal is to keep the money within its ecosystem. The refund is typically processed as store credit or loaded onto a new gift card. This ensures you’ll spend the funds with them in the future. Let’s explore how these refunds work and what you can expect in different scenarios.
Understanding Refunds for Gift Card Purchases
When you return an item from a gift card purchase, the process is different from a standard return. Instead of the refund going back to a credit card or being issued as cash, the value is typically returned in the form of store credit. This is the most common practice among retailers.
The refund is processed this way because the original payment method was the store’s own currency—the gift card. The retailer will usually issue a new gift card or merchandise credit for the value of the returned item. This keeps the value of the gift card within the store, encouraging you to find another item you like.
Think of it this way: the initial transaction was an exchange of a gift card for a product. The return is simply reversing that exchange, giving you back the purchasing power you started with in the form of store credit, not cash.
Partial Refunds and Store Credit Scenarios
What if your purchase was made with both a gift card and another form of payment, like a credit card? This is where partial refund scenarios come into play. Most retailers have a clear hierarchy for how they process these “split-tender” refunds.
Typically, the store will refund each payment method in the same order you used them. For example, if you paid $20 with a gift card and $30 with a credit card, your refund will be split accordingly. You would receive $20 back as store credit or on a new gift card, and the remaining $30 would be credited back to your original credit card.
Be sure to have your packing slip or receipt handy, as it details the original payment method breakdown. This process ensures that the portion paid with the store’s own funds (the gift card) remains with the store as store credit, while your personal funds are returned to you.
Alternatives for Unwanted Gift Cards
If you’ve hit a wall with the store’s refund policy, don’t despair! An unwanted gift card doesn’t have to become clutter in your wallet. There are several creative and practical alternatives to letting that value go to waste, including selling, exchanging, donating, or regifting.
These options can help you recoup some of the card’s cash value or pass it along to someone who will actually use it. Instead of feeling stuck, you can take matters into your own hands. Let’s look at some of the best ways to handle a gift card you can’t return.
Selling, Exchanging, Donating, and Regifting Gift Cards
You absolutely have options if you want to exchange or sell an unwanted gift card. One popular method is to sell it on a third-party marketplace. Websites like Raise allow you to list your card at a discount, and you receive payment after it sells, minus a platform fee. Another platform, Cashcard, buys your card directly after verification, giving you up to 92% of its cash value.
If you don’t want to sell, you can explore other avenues. Finding someone to exchange cards with on social media can be effective, but be cautious of a potential scam. A safer bet might be to simply regift the card to a friend or family member who you know will appreciate it.
Here are some of the best alternatives:
- Sell: Use a reputable online marketplace to sell your card for cash.
- Exchange: Trade your card with someone for a card you will use.
- Donate: Give the card to a charity, which may also offer you a tax benefit.
- Regift: Pass the card along to someone for their birthday or another special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cancel a gift card purchase and get your money back?
Canceling a gift card purchase for a refund is very difficult and depends entirely on the retailer’s policy. Most stores consider sales final. If you bought it online, you might have a small window to cancel the order before it’s processed by contacting customer service with your order number.
What should I do with an unwanted gift card I can’t return?
If you have an unwanted gift card you can’t return, you can sell it on a marketplace like Raise or eBay, exchange it with someone for a card you prefer, donate it to a charity, or regift it. Be cautious of a potential scam when trading with strangers online.
Can I return a gift card if I still have the receipt?
Having a receipt for a gift card doesn’t guarantee a refund. Most retailers have a strict no-return policy on gift cards, even within days of purchase. However, it’s always worth checking with customer service, as a receipt is the first thing they would require if an exception were possible.