* Money on a gift card is good for at least five years after the card’s purchase date. Funds added to the card at a later date are also good for five years.

* All fees must be plainly stated on the gift card or its packaging.

* Fewer gift card fees are allowed. New restrictions apply to usage, inactivity, and maintenance fees, as well as fees for adding money to the card.

* You can be charged inactivity fees if you haven’t used the card for at least a year.

Your state may have additional protections that exceed the federal regulations. Consumers Union offers a that lists these protections by state. Be sure to check it out.