You may want to check for a key date
Martin Lewis has shared a helpful tip for shoppers that could prevent them from losing out after an important expiry date. The consumer expert shared his thoughts on several issues on a recent edition of his BBC podcast. The programme had a focus on tax questions, including inheritance tax regulations, the looming self-assessment deadline, and pension taxation.
Another point raised that shoppers may want to take note of si the rules around gift cards. While these may seem like a thoughtful present for loved ones, allowing them to choose their own items from well-known retailers, Mr Lewis made it clear he is ‘anti gift card’.
One key reason is that once these vouchers have expired, consumers have “no legal rights” to obtain a refund. Setting out his concerns, he explained: “Not just the fact that if the firm goes bust, they are worthless, but many of them have expiry dates now.”
‘The date needs to be clear’
Nevertheless, he went on to say that the person who bought the gift card ought to have been informed about when it expires. Mr Lewis said: “The information about expiry dates should have been given before the purchase.
“It’s good practice from the companies to have it printed on the card or the voucher, or on the email that you get. If expiry is based on clear terms and conditions, that is fine.
“When the date starts also needs to be clear – is it from activation, or is it from gift.” The money-saving guru offered a helpful tip for those holding gift cards nearing their use-by date.
He explained: “If you’ve got gift cards and not used them, try spending a little on them before they expire. They then often give you a new gift card for the remainder and that should hopefully have a longer expiry date.”
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‘You might get your money back’
For example, with John Lewis or Waitrose gift cards, their terms specify that cards become invalid 24 months after when it was bought or the last time you bought something with it. However, making any purchase or simply checking your balance resets this two-year countdown.
Primark operates under the same rules, offering a 24-month usage window that refreshes whenever you buy something or verify your card balance. Should your gift card have already lapsed, there’s still potential to salvage the amount.
Mr Lewis advised: “With bigger stores, I’d ask them for an extension, particularly if it’s a big brand. But if it was unclear about the expiry date, you could complain to your consumer rights, then they could be in breach of the law for lack of transparency about the expiry date and you might get your money back.”
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