Whether you can get your money back on an expired gift card depends heavily on the laws of the state or country where the card was purchased. In the United States, the federal CARD Act of 2009 stipulates that gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase or the date funds were last added. Some states, like California, New York, and Florida, have even stricter laws that either prohibit expiration dates entirely or require retailers to "escheat" the funds to the state’s unclaimed property office. If your card has "expired" but is within the legal window, the retailer is often required to issue a replacement card or reactivate the balance. However, getting "cash back" is much rarer; only a few states (like California) require retailers to give you cash for the remaining balance, and usually only if that balance is very small (typically under $10). If the store has gone out of business, you may be out of luck unless you file a claim as a creditor in bankruptcy court. The best first step is always to contact the company’s customer service; in 2026, many brands will reactivate an expired card as a gesture of goodwill to retain your business.