From 16 March 2026, gift cards sold in New Zealand must meet new requirements in the Fair Trading Act. Gift cards must have a minimum expiry period of 3 years after the date the gift card was sold, and the expiry date must appear prominently on the card. There are a few exceptions – see below for details. 

Please note the guidance below applies to gift cards sold from 16 March 2026 onwards, when the Fair Trading (Gift Card Expiry) Amendment Act 2024 comes into force. 

Definition of gift card

A gift card is broadly defined in the Fair Trading Act as a card or voucher in any form (such as a physical or digital card) that is redeemable for goods or services, subject to some exceptions (see below).

Gift cards that are excluded from the gift card expiry requirements

The following gift cards or vouchers are excluded from the definition of “gift card” and are therefore not required to have a minimum expiry period:

  • A card or voucher supplied in substitution for goods returned to the supplier of the goods
  • A prepaid card or voucher redeemable only for telecommunication services, public transport, or electricity, gas, or water services
  • A debit card, credit card, prepaid travel card, or other similar card that allows cash withdrawals
  • A card or voucher supplied as part of a customer loyalty programme (other than a card or voucher supplied in exchange for a reduction in customer loyalty points)
  • A card or voucher redeemable only for goods or services available at a time-limited event (such as a festival, concert, or similar event)
  • A card or voucher sold principally to raise funds for a charitable purpose.
  • The expiry date
  • The month and year the gift card is no longer redeemable
  • The date the gift card is sold and a statement that identifies the period during which the gift card is redeemable
  • The words “no expiry date” or words to that effect.

Expiry date must appear prominently on all gift cards

The Fair Trading Act requires sellers to state prominently on a gift card when it is no longer redeemable by reference to any one of the following:

Extracts from the Commerce Commission website

KWN 2/03/2026