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Gift Cards and Vouchers
Gift cards and vouchers are governed mostly by their own terms and conditions, so check the expiry date and rules when you get one. If a shop goes out of business, an unspent voucher becomes a debt, and you may get little or nothing back. Scammers often ask for payment in gift card codes.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Using Vouchers
Expiry Dates
Check the expiry date, which should be on the voucher, the trader's website or in-store information. Some shops give only six months. A voucher with no stated expiry date may still have one, but some shops will extend it if you ask. source
Spending the Full Value
You may need to use the full value in one transaction, and you have no right to change unless the terms say so. Rechargeable gift cards can have minimum spends or expiry rules. source
Lost Vouchers
If you lose a gift voucher, the shop does not have to replace it, so treat vouchers like cash. source
If the Shop Changes
New Owners
If a shop changes owner, the new owner is not obliged to honour existing vouchers. source
If the Shop Closes
If a shop closes down, your voucher becomes a debt the company has not paid. You become an unsecured creditor and must register your claim with the liquidator, but you may get little back. source
Refunds and Scams
Credit Notes for Faulty Goods
When you return faulty goods, you do not have to accept a credit note: you can insist on your legal rights, such as a refund within 30 days. source
Gift Card Scams
Never buy gift card codes for someone you have not met in person or who contacts you out of the blue. Scammers ask for payment this way because it is hard to trace. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 6 monthsTypical voucher validityVaries; some only six months
- 30 daysReject faulty goods for a refundWithin 30 days of delivery
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Free routes to escalate, and when each one applies.
The Shop
Ask about extending an expired voucher, in writing.
The Administrator or Liquidator
If the shop has gone bust: register as an unsecured creditor.
Action Fraud / Report Fraud
If you were asked to pay with gift card codes.
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 6
Check the expiry date and terms as soon as you receive a voucher.
Step 2 of 6
Use it promptly, especially if the shop seems to be in trouble.
Step 3 of 6
Ask the shop to extend an expired voucher: some will.
Step 4 of 6
If the shop goes into administration, register your claim with the administrator or liquidator.
Step 5 of 6
Refuse a credit note for faulty goods if you want a refund.
Step 6 of 6
Report gift card scams on 0300 123 2040.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Evidence and Your Letter
Gather your evidence, then build a letter you can send in minutes.
Evidence Checklist
0 of 5 gatheredTap each one when you have it.
CPUKLetter Generator
How This Works
- 1
Tick off the evidence you already have, and see what is still missing.
- 2
Answer the letter questions. Your answers fill in the wording for you.
- 3
Copy or download the letter, check every detail, and send it yourself.
A template, not legal advice.
Watch Out For
Common traps and scams to avoid.
Anyone asking you to pay a bill, fine or "fee" with gift card codes.
Buying vouchers from a shop that is struggling.
Assuming no expiry date means the voucher never expires.
Recent or changing rules: tap to read
Checked 13 October 2026. The voucher guidance is from nidirect, the Northern Ireland government website; vouchers mainly depend on their own terms and conditions.
Common Problems
Step-by-step help for a specific problem covered by this guide.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Not sure where you stand? Try our action plan tool or the free letter templates.
Sources and official links
- nidirect.gov.uk/articles/shopping Checked 13 October 2026
- actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/romance-scams Checked 13 October 2026
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.