Washington prohibits expiration dates on most gift cards and restricts service fees. This is among the stronger consumer protection regimes in the Pacific Northwest.
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 Washington
Washington RCW §19.240.020 prohibits expiration dates on gift certificates with limited exceptions.
Dormancy and service fees in Washington
Service and dormancy fees on gift certificates are prohibited.
Cash redemption for small balances
Washington law requires cash redemption of balances under $5 on request.
Disclosure requirements
Federal Regulation E disclosures apply, plus state-specific no-expiration disclosure.
Unclaimed property and escheatment
Single-merchant gift card balances generally do not escheat because they do not expire.
Enforcement and penalties
The Washington Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division enforces state rules under the Consumer Protection Act.
Recent updates
Washington'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.
Washington compliance checklist
A short operational checklist for selling gift certificates in Washington. Adapt with counsel before publishing your final policy.
- Configure certificates to never expire.
- Do not charge service or dormancy fees.
- Train staff for under-$5 cash redemption.
- Maintain perpetual redemption records.
Frequently asked questions about Washington gift card law
Can a Seattle coffee shop set a 6-month expiration?
No. Washington prohibits expiration on most gift certificates. The certificate remains redeemable indefinitely.
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.