Gift card rules are changing for millions of people in California next year.

After the state passed SB22, the gift certificate cash value limit will be expanded from $10 to $15, allowing shoppers to gain more money for their unused cards.

Why It Matters

Many Americans buy or receive gift cards and end up never using them, but under state law, California permits gift cards to be redeemed for cash or replaced with a new gift certificate.

What To Know

Previously, California allowed gift cards sold after 1997 to be redeemed for cash if they were less than $10. Others were redeemable in cash or subject to replacement with a new gift certificate.

The new law makes a gift certificate with a cash value of less than $15 redeemable for cash or its cash value starting April 1, 2026, increasing

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