Special offer

Gift Cards in NJ aren't worth what you thought they were....

By
Real Estate Agent with Remax First Realty II 0790808

 

File:Gift card assortment.jpgGift cards are the perfect gift for someone you want to acknowledge (your child's teacher, your boss) but don't want to get too personal with. Unfortunately, New Jersey law is changing with regard to how long  gift cards can be saved. 

The State of New Jersey is attempting to claim the unused balances of gift cards that have been inactive for two years. Whatever balance you have on your old Starbucks card will revert to the State to be used for capital improvements throughout the State according to an article by USA Today

Three Credit Cards

Last year, the value of unused gift cards was $2 billion, which could make quite a difference in NJ's economy.

As a result of this new law, American Express is no longer selling gift cards in NJ. Visa and Mastercard gift cards will no longer be offered by some companies in NJ soon.

 

Posted by

 

 

 

~ Wayne & Jean 

Union County, NJ - a great place to live and work!

If you're looking to buy or sell a property in Union County, call us at 908-917-4189 or email TeamZuhl@gmail.com.

 

facebook  Pinterest  LinkedIn  Read Our Blog!

All opinions, information and data provided is deemed reliable but is subject to errors and omissions. Not intended to solicit other Brokers' clients. We cooperate with them fully. 

Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

It's great that you've let people know this! I always think we need to pick a day, gather up ALL of our gift cards and go have some fun!! After all, that's what the intent was with giving them, right?  When does this new policy go into effect?

Jul 05, 2012 10:28 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Sounds creative....and desperate on the part of the lawmakers in NJ.....bet there will be more retailers that "just say no" to this policy.

Jul 05, 2012 10:36 PM
Edward Gilmartin
CRE - Boston, MA

Giftcards should never expire and should not be a source of revenue for the government. This is insane. We are slowly turning into a cashless society and gift cards are better gifts than cash.

Jul 05, 2012 10:36 PM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Thanks for the comments, guys. I gathered up all my old gift cards this morning and I'm on the way out to spend 'em! If NJ lawmakers get their way, it's use it or lose it, NJ!

Jul 05, 2012 11:00 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Wow, what a money-making scheme.  Why I ask, should they benefit from someone else's money?  Oh, pardon me, they are a governmental agency.  Oopsie.

Jul 05, 2012 11:16 PM