Connecticut has one of the most consumer-friendly gift certificate regimes in the country. State law prohibits expiration dates and most service or dormancy fees on gift cards issued in the state.
Federal context
Under the federal Credit CARD Act of 2009 and its implementing Regulation E (12 CFR 1005.20), gift certificates and most general-use and store gift cards sold in the United States must remain valid for at least five years from the date of issuance or last load. Federal law also restricts dormancy, inactivity, and service fees: a fee can generally be charged only if the card has been inactive for at least 12 months, the fee is disclosed, and no more than one fee is charged per month. State laws may add stronger consumer protections on top of this federal floor.
For a deeper federal explainer, see our CARD Act overview.
Expiration rules in Connecticut
Connecticut General Statutes §3-65c broadly prohibits expiration dates on gift certificates sold or issued in the state. Operators should treat outstanding gift certificates as perpetual obligations.
Dormancy and service fees in Connecticut
Connecticut prohibits dormancy and service fees on most gift certificates. This is among the strictest fee regimes in the country.
Cash redemption for small balances
Connecticut law requires merchants to redeem gift certificate balances of less than $3 in cash upon the holder's request. This is a narrower threshold than California's $10 but applies similarly.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply. Connecticut operators should also state the no-expiration and small-balance cash-redemption policies clearly.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Because Connecticut gift certificates do not expire, single-merchant balances are generally not subject to escheat to the State Treasurer.
Enforcement and penalties
The Connecticut Attorney General's Office and Department of Consumer Protection enforce gift card consumer protection laws, with penalties for violations of disclosure and fee rules.
Recent updates
Connecticut's framework has been substantively stable. Continue to monitor the Connecticut General Assembly for amendments.
Last reviewed: May 24, 2026. Statutes change. Verify the current text of the cited statute before acting on this summary.
Connecticut compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Connecticut. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Print 'No expiration date' on all gift certificates.
- Do not charge any dormancy or service fees on standard gift certificates.
- Train staff and POS to redeem balances under $3 in cash on request.
- Maintain a written policy on file and at the POS.
Frequently asked questions about Connecticut gift card law
Can a Connecticut salon set a one-year expiration?
No. State law prohibits expiration on most gift certificates issued in Connecticut. The certificate remains redeemable indefinitely.
What if I want to charge a small annual maintenance fee?
Connecticut largely prohibits service fees on gift certificates. Don't charge maintenance fees without consulting Connecticut counsel.
Related legal basics
- Do Gift Certificates Expire? — A practical overview of federal and state rules on gift certificate expiration, written in plain English.
- Can You Charge Fees on Gift Certificates? — Federal and state rules on inactivity, dormancy, and service fees for gift cards.