Have you got a gift card you’re waiting to use? Are you worried about it expiring or retailers going into administration? Here’s what you can do.
You might have received a gift card for Christmas, or be waiting to spend one that’s soon to expire, but with all non-essential shops closed due to lockdown restrictions, you could be waiting a while before being able to spend it.
We want to hear if you’re holding onto a gift voucher that can’t be spent yet, or are having trouble extending your expiry date.

Gift card lockdown expiry dates
With all non-essential shops closed, you might be concerned about missing out on spending your gift or credit voucher.
@NewLookHelp Good afternoon i have a credit voucher that's due to expire soon. But with lockdown and no shops open will they honour it to me? Or could you kindly send me a gift card so i can use online.
— katie Lawlor (@kateor1980) January 21, 2021
Last year, our research revealed that shoppers lost millions in expired vouchers during the first national lockdown.
Only 49% of people received an automatic extension on their gift cards, while 15% had to ask to have theirs extended.
It’s well worth reaching out to the retailer – via their customer service department or on their social media channels – to make sure you can get your expiry date extended, as some stores might not offer automatic extensions.
Let us know in the comments how you get on and if any retailers refuse to extend your voucher.
What if the retailer fallen into administration?
A string of well-known high street retailers fell into administration last year, including the Arcadia group.
Topshop customers took to Twitter after discovering they could only use 50% of the amount on their gift cards to pay for an order. The remaining half has to be paid with customers’ own money.
@Topshop not honouring people’s gift cards. I have £33.20 to spend but they will only allow half the amount to be used. This is my cash on this card how can you deny it??
— Joanne McCormick (@JoanneM96381189) January 5, 2021
While this policy may feel unfair, administrators are within their rights to stop accepting gift cards once a retailer has gone bust. It’s important to spend yours quickly if you’re concerned.
Here’s how to get your money back if a company goes bust.
Have you had problems using a gift card with a troubled retailer? Do you have a gift card you’re waiting to spend but can’t due to the national lockdown?