Montana provides strong consumer protections: no expiration on most gift certificates, mandatory cash redemption for balances under $5, and restricted service fees.
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 Montana
Montana Code Annotated §30-14-108 prohibits expiration dates on gift certificates with limited exceptions.
Dormancy and service fees in Montana
Montana prohibits service and dormancy fees on gift certificates.
Cash redemption for small balances
Montana law requires merchants to redeem gift certificate balances of less than $5 in cash on the holder's request.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply. State no-expiration and cash redemption rules should be stated.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Single-merchant gift certificate balances generally do not escheat because they do not expire.
Enforcement and penalties
The Montana Office of Consumer Protection enforces state consumer protection rules.
Recent updates
Montana's framework has been substantively stable.
Last reviewed: May 24, 2026. Statutes change. Verify the current text of the cited statute before acting on this summary.
Montana compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Montana. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Configure certificates to never expire.
- Do not charge service or dormancy fees.
- Train staff and POS for under-$5 cash redemption.
- Maintain perpetual redemption records.
Frequently asked questions about Montana gift card law
Can a Bozeman outfitter sell a seasonal gift certificate that expires after one ski season?
Generally no. Standard cash-equivalent certificates cannot expire in Montana. A specific 'one-trip' experience may have different treatment if structured as a service-redemption voucher.
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.