Idaho generally follows the federal CARD Act baseline. State-specific gift card regulation is minimal.
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 Idaho
Idaho follows the federal five-year minimum. No state-specific stricter rule applies.
Dormancy and service fees in Idaho
Federal CARD Act limits apply.
Cash redemption for small balances
Idaho does not require small-balance cash redemption.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Idaho's unclaimed property regime may apply with carve-outs for single-merchant programs.
Enforcement and penalties
The Idaho Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division enforces state consumer protection laws.
Recent updates
No material state-level changes 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.
Idaho compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Idaho. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Set expiration to five years or none.
- Disclose any fees clearly.
- Maintain redemption records.
Frequently asked questions about Idaho gift card law
Can a Boise restaurant set a 90-day expiration?
No. Federal law preempts short expirations. 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.