Minnesota generally prohibits expiration dates on most gift certificates and limits service fees. This is one of the more consumer-protective regimes in the Midwest.
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 Minnesota
Minnesota Statute §325G.53 prohibits expiration dates on most gift certificates. Operators should treat outstanding certificates as perpetual obligations.
Dormancy and service fees in Minnesota
Minnesota prohibits service fees and dormancy charges on gift certificates. Avoid post-sale fees entirely.
Cash redemption for small balances
No state-mandated requirement, though many Minnesota operators offer cash refunds for small balances as a customer-service practice.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply. Clearly state the no-expiration policy on the certificate.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Because certificates do not expire, single-merchant balances generally do not escheat to the state.
Enforcement and penalties
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office enforces consumer protection rules, with civil penalties for violations.
Recent updates
Minnesota's framework has been stable.
Last reviewed: May 24, 2026. Statutes change. Verify the current text of the cited statute before acting on this summary.
Minnesota compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Minnesota. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Configure all gift certificates to never expire.
- Do not charge any dormancy or service fees.
- Disclose terms clearly on the certificate.
- Maintain perpetual redemption records.
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota gift card law
Are bank-issued gift cards treated the same in Minnesota?
Open-loop bank-issued cards have separate treatment under federal and state law. The no-expiration rule applies most clearly to single-merchant certificates.
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.