The Gift Card
Com. Law § 14-1319 — no expiration and no fee for 4 years after purchase
In Maryland, a person may not sell or issue a gift certificate that, within 4 years after the date of purchase, is subject to expiration or a fee or charge of any kind.
Any term on expiration or a fee that takes effect after 4 years is printed clearly in a visible place on the certificate, on a sticker permanently attached to it, or on its envelope, and may not be changed after purchase unless the change benefits the consumer.
A certificate sold in violation stays good. A gift certificate sold or issued in violation of the section is considered valid and may not be subject to expiration or any fee or charge.
The section covers store credit for returned goods, and leaves out prepaid phone and internet cards, coupons, free promotional certificates, and network branded cards usable at many unaffiliated sellers. A violation is an unfair or deceptive trade practice. Whether a card is covered is a question for a licensed Maryland attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1319 — Gift certificates
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.