Maryland imposes a four-year minimum expiration for gift certificates (with the federal five-year floor effectively superseding the shorter state minimum in practice), and restricts post-sale fees in the first four years.
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 Maryland
Maryland Commercial Law §14-1319 imposed a four-year minimum expiration on gift certificates. Because federal CARD Act sets a five-year floor, the federal minimum effectively applies.
Dormancy and service fees in Maryland
Post-sale fees on gift certificates are restricted under Maryland law during the first four years. Beyond that, federal CARD Act limits apply.
Cash redemption for small balances
No state-mandated requirement.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E and Maryland Consumer Protection Act standards apply.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Maryland's unclaimed property statute may reach certain gift card balances with single-merchant exemptions.
Enforcement and penalties
The Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division enforces state rules.
Recent updates
No major recent statutory changes.
Last reviewed: May 24, 2026. Statutes change. Verify the current text of the cited statute before acting on this summary.
Maryland compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Maryland. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Set expiration to no less than five years or eliminate expiration.
- Avoid post-sale fees in the first four years.
- Disclose terms on the certificate.
Frequently asked questions about Maryland gift card law
Can a Maryland salon impose a service fee one year after sale?
No. Service fees in the first four years are restricted under Maryland law. Most merchants avoid these fees entirely.
Related legal basics
- Do Gift Certificates Expire? — A practical overview of federal and state rules on gift certificate expiration, written in plain English.