Cards Issued Before February 1, 2010 - Frequently Asked Questions

Will all gift cards already purchased see their expiry dates become null and void after the new regulations on February 1st?

No. Gift cards for specific goods or services (spa, dinner, movie, etc.) purchased before February 1 will retain their expiry dates.

Any gift card purchased on or after February 1st, regardless of type of card (dollar value or goods and services) will not have an expiry date.

Any gift card (dollar value or goods and services) with an expiry date that is before February.1st, will continue to expire.
           

Examples:

Dollar Value Cards:

A $50 gift card purchased this December that has an expiry date for December 2010, will no longer expire.

A $50 gift card purchased January 2009 that has an expiry date for January 2010, will
continue to expire in January 2010.

A $50 gift card purchased in July 2009 that has a six-month expiry date (January 2010)
 will continue to expire.

A $50 gift card purchased in July 2009 with a 12-month expiry date (July 2010) will no longer expire.

Goods and Services (Spa services, dinner, movie, etc.) –no dollar value provided:

A gift card for a manicure that was purchased in December 2009 with a 12-month expiry date, will continue to expire.

A gift card for a manicure (no dollar value provided) purchased on or after February1st will not have an expiry date.

A gift card for a manicure (value of $60 noted on certificate) purchased on or after February1st will not have an expiry date.

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Do all gift cards sold in Nova Scotia right now have expiry dates?

No, many do not.

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How do I know if the gift card I purchased has an expiry date?

The expiry date, if there is one, is usually printed directly on the card.  It may also be on the packaging that came with the card.  If you are not sure, call the store where you purchased the card at or the telephone number printed on the card to find out if your card has an expiry date.

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Do gift cards with expiry dates all have a 12-month time period?

Most gift cards that have expiry dates, expire within six-months to one year.

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Why will the regulations take effect on February 1, 2010, and not now?

We are giving businesses sufficient time to make adjustments to their systems to comply with the regulations.  This is necessary to help ensure a smooth transition for both business and consumers.

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