Expired Gift Cards, Certificates Could Still Have Value

During the holiday shopping season, when most people use gift cards and certificates, the Missouri State Treasurer’s office is advising residents to hold on to their expired gift cards and certificates.

Those items never expire, said State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, in a news release. The unused cards and certificates are Unclaimed Property.

“This year alone, I have returned $130,000 worth of gift cards and certificates to Missourians, and there is $5.8 million waiting to be claimed,” Zweifel said.

By law the unused value on those cards and certificates must be turned over to the treasurer’s office after five years, he said.

Missourians, who still have their expired gift cards and certificates may receive the unused money from Zweifel’s Unclaimed Property team.

“The average claim right now is $300, and that is money that I think any family would like to have to pay for holiday gifts, utility bills and travel,” he said.

People should first try to redeem the expired gift certificates and cards at the issuing business. If the business will not redeem the card or certificate, the residents should go to www.ShowMeMoney.com and search for their names.

If neither option is available, residents should email the treasurer’s office at unclaimedproperty@treasurer.mo.gov.

Few gift cards and certificates have the account owner’s contact information, Zweifel said. Residents should have the physical card or certificate help the treasurer’s office find the unclaimed property.