California Law About Cash for Gift cards
Nov 6, 2016, 1:31 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Midwest
Programs: Delta PM, Hhonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 114
Apr 21, 2018, 12:23 am
#17
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 1
Jack in the he box
That general rule probably applies to other places (maybe Steak 'n Shake); cashiers often don't know how to do it, but you can call someone who does.
Last edited by ChrisFlyer66; Apr 21, 2018 at 8:10 pm Reason: fix formatting
Apr 21, 2018, 8:13 pm
#18
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SAN
Programs: Delta Gold. Hilton Diamond. Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 1,672
At my Walmart, there is a young hippie-ish couple that comes in every day with a big stack of gift cards at around $9 each and cashes them out. They won't say where they got them. The cashiers and CSMs think it is really odd but they are required by CA law to cash them out.
I often cash out gift cards at smashburger(fast-food burger chain) once they get under $10. Usually the cashiers don't know you can cash out gift cards, but if I ask for a manager or supervisor they always take care of it.
I often cash out gift cards at smashburger(fast-food burger chain) once they get under $10. Usually the cashiers don't know you can cash out gift cards, but if I ask for a manager or supervisor they always take care of it.
Aug 28, 2019, 12:43 am
#20
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 247
I tried to cash out a balance under $5 at a Domino's in WA after a purchase and got a "we don't do that" from the cashier. Filed a complaint with the State AG and the response from the Domino's store manager was fantastic: "The back of the gift card clearly states that it is not redeemable for cash and can only be used at a Domino's Pizza location to purchase Domino's products. Unless there is a law that overrules this that I'm unaware of, we will stand by what we previously stated that gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash." He hit the nail on the head right there. The AG's office said they sent several unanswered responses to the manager and this is where my complaint ends, but they may or may not be taking up a formal investigation and cannot comment further.
Don't think this is scalable for MS purposes, especially with this much pushback from the stores and my state's $5 limit.
Don't think this is scalable for MS purposes, especially with this much pushback from the stores and my state's $5 limit.
Aug 28, 2019, 1:44 am
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Aug 28, 2019, 2:24 am
#22
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,828
I tried to cash out a balance under $5 at a Domino's in WA after a purchase and got a "we don't do that" from the cashier. Filed a complaint with the State AG and the response from the Domino's store manager was fantastic: "The back of the gift card clearly states that it is not redeemable for cash and can only be used at a Domino's Pizza location to purchase Domino's products. Unless there is a law that overrules this that I'm unaware of, we will stand by what we previously stated that gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash."
Revised Code of Washington 19.240.020
Unlawful actions—Remaining value—Lost/stolen gift certificates. (1) Except as provided in RCW 19.240.030 through 19.240.070, it is unlawful for any person or entity to issue, or to enforce against a bearer, a gift certificate that contains:
(a) An expiration date;
(b) Any fee, including a service fee; or(c) A dormancy or inactivity charge.
(2) If a gift certificate is issued with the sale of tangible personal property or services, the gift certificate is subject to subsection (1) of this section.
(3) If a purchase is made with a gift certificate for an amount that is less than the value of the gift certificate, the issuer must make the remaining value available to the bearer in cash or as a gift certificate at the option of the issuer. If after the purchase the remaining value of the gift certificate is less than five dollars, the gift certificate must be redeemable in cash for its remaining value on demand of the bearer. A gift certificate is valid until redeemed or replaced.
(4) This section does not require, unless otherwise required by law, the issuer of a gift certificate to replace a lost or stolen gift certificate.
Aug 28, 2019, 9:28 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 247
The AG sent them the code/law after their response and and didn't hear anything back.
Aug 28, 2019, 12:13 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Aug 28, 2019, 9:44 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,727
I tried to cash out a balance under $5 at a Domino's in WA after a purchase and got a "we don't do that" from the cashier. Filed a complaint with the State AG and the response from the Domino's store manager was fantastic: "The back of the gift card clearly states that it is not redeemable for cash and can only be used at a Domino's Pizza location to purchase Domino's products. Unless there is a law that overrules this that I'm unaware of, we will stand by what we previously stated that gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash." He hit the nail on the head right there. The AG's office said they sent several unanswered responses to the manager and this is where my complaint ends, but they may or may not be taking up a formal investigation and cannot comment further.
Don't think this is scalable for MS purposes, especially with this much pushback from the stores and my state's $5 limit.
Don't think this is scalable for MS purposes, especially with this much pushback from the stores and my state's $5 limit.