New Hampshire has strong gift certificate consumer protection. Most gift certificates cannot expire, and cash redemption is required for small remaining balances.
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 New Hampshire
New Hampshire law generally prohibits expiration dates on gift certificates issued for value.
Dormancy and service fees in New Hampshire
Service and dormancy fees on gift certificates are prohibited.
Cash redemption for small balances
Cash redemption is required on request for gift certificate balances under $5.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply. State no-expiration and cash redemption rules should be clearly stated.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Single-merchant gift certificate balances generally do not escheat because they do not expire.
Enforcement and penalties
The New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau enforces state consumer protection rules.
Recent updates
New Hampshire'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.
New Hampshire compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire gift card law
Are seasonal businesses in New Hampshire allowed to expire certificates after the season?
Generally no. Standard cash-equivalent certificates cannot expire. Consult counsel for seasonal-specific programs.
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.