Bluewater Gift Card

rialawson

My Bluewater gift card expired at the end of June but it still had money on it. When I went to Bluewater a few weeks ago I was told I cannot have it extended and that I've lost the money on it. Can they really do this?

cyberbob

rialawson wrote: »

My Bluewater gift card expired at the end of June but it still had money on it. When I went to Bluewater a few weeks ago I was told I cannot have it extended and that I've lost the money on it. Can they really do this?

if it's in the terms and conditions yes. Have a check of them.

fluffnutter

Yes, expiry dates on gift cards are legal (provided the T&Cs are clear). It's bad for PR, and frustrating for shoppers I agree. It's done because of accounting. Say your gift card is for £50. This money can't be counted as revenue or profit until the £50 is actually redeemed. This makes for an accounting nightmare which is why companies typically have expiration dates on gift cards. There are ways round it of course, but companies clearly deem the bad PR to be worth it. I hope it wasn't a lot of money rialawson, but I don't think there's much you can do. You could try writing and begging of course!

dmg24

Whilst it will not help your current problem, in future you should spend on the card just before the expiry date at a shop where you know you can return the item. Then return the item straight away, and get the refund put on a new card.