All the same gift cards? Not at all! Which ones can have an expiration date? 
In what context can a refund be demanded? Can the merchant charge a usage fee? Answers in our article!

If you purchase $20 worth of merchandise with a gift card Paid $20, there is nothing to complain about.
But some cards contain fees or conditions of use that are better to know.

Whatever the name – gift card, gift certificate or gift certificate —, for the Protection Office of the consumer (OPC) these are prepaid cards, all subject to the same rules. These cards are called prepaid for a specific reason. They imply that you pay for the service in advance. Because of this risk, it better to use the card quickly, before forgetting it in the bottom of a drawer.
General rules
No gift card can have an expiration date. However, some cards have a deadline of use, for example two years after acquisition. 
In this case, the merchant replaces it free of charge and transfers it your balance.

Terms of use and all fees (for cards who may have them) must appear on the map or on a document provided upon purchase. “All of this, clearly and very visible,” indicates the OPC. This also applies to gift cards sold online.

Issuers are not required to replace cards lost or stolen. If they choose to do so, they must explain the conditions (for example, fees charged) by written at the time of purchase.

Several merchants offer to personalize gift cards, for example by adding wishes. The merchant has the right to charge a fee for this service

Many merchants charge delivery fees for the gift card purchased online or by telephone. If the consumer is informed at the time he takes knowledge of the price or if the price is announced, the practice is permitted, specifies the OPC.

Some cards have restrictions: they do not allow no paying for gas at the pump, paying for a purchase in line or repay debts. The consumer must be advised at the time of purchase.

If a business from which you hold a gift card becomes bankrupt, you become an ordinary creditor, to whom the business owes money. You can manifest yourself to recover part of it. But in reality, during a closure or bankruptcy, the consumer is at high risk of lose your money.

Other conditions apply depending on the type of card prepaid.