If you go back in one of my posts you'll find me having a conversation with Chris (Marriott Conceirge). He broke the common preception that we and many employees had (Cheque=cash).

Gift Cards are like cash (assuming you purchased them vs. receiving them as a promotional item). This is protected by law.

Gift cheques are appearantly on provided as a promotional item, thus it is bound by the terms located on the back. (however, only 2-3 issues have been documented where the cheques were denied use).

YMMV