Video clip: prepaid and points cards

Do you collect prepaid cards and rewards points but never redeem them? Be careful, because in some cases, these cards may not always be valid...

This vignette was produced by Option consommateurs with funding from the Office de la protection du consommateur.

Directed by: Wolfgang Animation

What you need to know about gift cards and prepaid cards:

• No activation or usage fees may be charged if the card can be used at a single retailer. For a card that allows you to purchase goods or services from multiple retailers, fees may apply (e.g., a prepaid card issued by a shopping mall or financial institution).
• If a retailer goes bankrupt, you could lose your money. You can contact the trustee in bankruptcy representing the retailer to determine whether your money can be recovered.
• It is forbidden to impose an expiry date, except for cell phone cards and cards giving access to an unlimited service (e.g. bus cards).
• f a card entitles you to a specific good or service (e.g. a Swedish massage) and the price has gone up, you will have to pay the difference, as long as the original value and the date from which an additional amount can be requested are clearly indicated on the card.
• Except for cards issued by a financial institution and cell phone cards, if your card balance is less than $5, you can request cash back.

Do you have any questions? Contact us now!