Quick answer
Most major gift cards bought in the US do not expire. Amazon, Google Play, Netflix, Xbox, Nintendo, Roblox, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Airbnb, IKEA, Nike, Sephora, LEGO and Starbucks say so in their own terms. Exceptions exist outside the US: Amazon UK and Amazon Germany cards last 10 years, Zalando Germany 5 years, Google Play Australia 5 years from last activity. US federal rules set a 5-year minimum for covered gift card funds.
Which gift cards expire, and when?
What each issuer's own terms say about expiry and card fees, for the card of one country.
| Card | Expiry | Card fees | Issuer source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon US | Never expires | — | Amazon gift codes FAQ | 2026-10-19 |
| Amazon UK | 10 years after issue (cards issued from 1 July 2013) | None | Amazon.co.uk gift card terms | 2026-10-19 |
| Amazon Germany | 10 years after issue | — | Amazon.de gift card guide | 2026-10-19 |
| Apple UK | No expiry (current email Apple Gift Card) | — | Apple UK gift card store | 2026-10-19 |
| Google Play US | No expiry | None | Google Play US card terms | 2026-10-19 |
| Google Play Australia | 5 years after issue or last Play balance activity | None | Google Play Australia card terms | 2026-10-19 |
| Netflix US | Does not expire; not reloadable | — | Netflix Help: Gift Cards | 2026-10-19 |
| Xbox US | Retail gift cards do not expire | None | Microsoft: Xbox gift card | 2026-10-19 |
| Nintendo US | Balance does not expire | None | Nintendo eShop card terms | 2026-10-19 |
| Roblox US | Cards and credit do not expire | No inactivity, maintenance or service fees | Roblox US gift card terms | 2026-10-19 |
| Uber Eats US | Paid gift card value never expires | None | Uber Cash terms | 2026-10-19 |
| DoorDash US | Does not expire | None | DoorDash gift card terms | 2026-10-19 |
| Airbnb US | Cards and balances do not expire | None | Airbnb US gift card terms | 2026-10-20 |
| IKEA US | Purchased cards do not expire | No inactivity or service fees | IKEA US gift card terms | 2026-10-20 |
| Nike US | Does not expire | — | Nike gift card terms | 2026-10-20 |
| Sephora US | Gift cards and eGift cards do not expire | No inactivity or service fees | Sephora US gift card FAQ | 2026-10-20 |
| LEGO US | No expiration date, except where required by law | — | LEGO US gift cards | 2026-10-20 |
| Starbucks US | Card and balance have no expiration date | — | Starbucks US card terms | 2026-10-20 |
| H&M US | Does not expire; invalid after 90 days at zero balance | No inactivity or service fees | H&M US gift cards | 2026-10-20 |
| Zalando Germany | 5 years from purchase | — | Zalando Germany gift card terms | 2026-10-20 |
| Hotels.com US | Does not expire | — | Hotels.com gift card terms | 2026-10-20 |
Prices checked on
"—" means the cited page does not state card fees. Promotional credit often has its own, shorter expiry.
What does US law say about gift card expiry?
In the US, Regulation E §1005.20 generally requires covered gift card funds to stay valid for at least 5 years from issue or the last load. It also limits dormancy, inactivity and service fees. The rule has a defined scope and exceptions, and state laws can add protection. Many brands go further: every US card in the table above states no expiry at all.
Which gift cards do expire?
Expiry is more common outside the US. Amazon UK cards issued from 1 July 2013 expire 10 years after issue, and Amazon Germany cards also last 10 years. Zalando Germany cards are valid 5 years from purchase. Google Play cards in Australia and New Zealand expire 5 years after issue or the last activity on the Play balance. See Google Play values by country for all 35 countries.
Does a redeemed balance expire too?
It depends on the brand. Once a code is redeemed, the value sits in your account and follows that account's terms. Airbnb says both cards and claimed balances do not expire. H&M keeps cards valid without expiry but voids a card that stays at zero balance for 90 days. Netflix uses the balance to pay your plan until it runs out, rather than for a fixed number of months.
Do Steam gift cards expire?
Valve says existing Steam gift cards can be used on Steam whenever you choose, subject to local laws. Retail cards are being phased out by the end of 2026. Read our Steam Wallet guide. Each Gifts With Crypto product page shows the validity rule the issuer states for that card.
Gift card expiry questions
Do Amazon gift cards expire?
Amazon says cards bought for use in the US never expire. Amazon UK cards issued from 1 July 2013 expire after 10 years, and Amazon Germany cards last 10 years. See Amazon US.
Do Google Play gift cards expire?
Not in the US: Google's US terms state no expiry and no card fees. Australia and New Zealand apply 5 years from issue or last activity. See Google Play values by country.
Do Netflix gift cards expire?
No. Netflix says its gift cards do not expire and cannot be reloaded. The balance pays your plan until it runs out. See Netflix US.
Is there a law against gift card expiry?
In the US, Regulation E generally requires covered gift card funds to last at least 5 years from issue or last load, with exceptions. Other countries have their own rules.
Does a gift card bought with crypto expire sooner?
No. Paying in crypto does not change the card. The issuer's expiry rule for that country applies, as shown on each product page.
Legal source (1)
- Regulation E §1005.20: Requirements for gift cards and gift certificates — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2026-10-14)
Buy cards that last
Gift cards at face value, paid in crypto, no KYC up to US$1,000 per order.