Georgia generally follows the federal CARD Act floor. Limited state-specific rules apply; the most important state consideration is unclaimed property treatment.
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 Georgia
Georgia applies the federal CARD Act baseline. Gift certificates sold in Georgia must remain redeemable for at least five years.
Dormancy and service fees in Georgia
Georgia follows federal CARD Act fee restrictions. Dormancy fees are permitted only after 12 months of inactivity with disclosure.
Cash redemption for small balances
Georgia does not require small-balance cash redemption.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply. Georgia does not impose additional gift certificate disclosure requirements.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Georgia's unclaimed property regime may reach gift card balances after defined dormancy periods. Single-merchant program exemptions typically apply.
Enforcement and penalties
Enforcement is led by the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and federal regulators for CARD Act compliance.
Recent updates
No material gift card statutory changes in Georgia in the last 24 months.
Last reviewed: May 24, 2026. Statutes change. Verify the current text of the cited statute before acting on this summary.
Georgia compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Georgia. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Set expiration to no less than five years or eliminate expiration.
- Disclose any fees at sale.
- Maintain redemption records.
Frequently asked questions about Georgia gift card law
Can a Georgia restaurant set a 6-month expiration?
No. Federal law preempts short expiration periods. Use five years or no expiration.
Related legal basics
- Do Gift Certificates Expire? — A practical overview of federal and state rules on gift certificate expiration, written in plain English.