The final rules prohibit dormancy, inactivity, and service fees on gift cards unless:

(1) the consumer has not used the certificate or card for at least one year; 

(2) no more than one such fee is charged per month; and 

(3) the consumer is given clear and conspicuous disclosures about the fees.

 Expiration dates for funds underlying gift cards must be at least five years after the date of issuance, or five years after the date when funds were last loaded.

The Board's rules generally cover retail gift cards, which can be used to buy goods or services at a single merchant or affiliated group of merchants, and network-branded gift cards, which are redeemable at any merchant that accepts the card brand.

The final rules are issued under Regulation E to implement the gift card provisions in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009.

The notice that will be published in the Federal Register is attached. The final rules are effective August 22, 2010.

Attachment (333 KB PDF)

Highlights of Final Gift Card Rule (13 KB PDF)

2010 Banking and Consumer Regulatory Policy