Do state laws override federal gift certificate rules?

State law can be stricter than the federal rule, but never weaker. When a state offers more protection than the Credit CARD Act, that stronger standard is the one you have to follow.

• States such as California, Massachusetts, and Oregon ban gift certificate expiration dates outright.
• Where a state is tougher, its rule takes priority over the federal minimum.
• Businesses selling into multiple states should follow the strictest rule that applies to any of them.

Treat this as a starting point, not legal advice, and check your specific state statute before finalizing terms.