Gift Card Template (Canada)
Updated on August 15, 2026
Canada has some of the strongest gift card consumer protection anywhere: every province and territory's Consumer Protection Act bans expiry dates on gift cards outright, and bans maintenance, dormancy, inactivity and balance-inquiry fees too. The full face value has to remain redeemable indefinitely, no matter how much time passes.
This template reflects that rule directly rather than defaulting to an expiry field like a generic template would — it only enables an expiry date for the narrow exceptions the law actually allows: a card given away for promotional or charitable purposes rather than sold, or a card redeemable for one specific service such as a haircut or spa treatment.
Tap any highlighted blank in the document below and type straight into it.Free — no sign-up, no watermark
Gift Card
- Card number:
- Issue date:
- Value:
- Redeemable for:
This card entitles the holder to goods or services worth from .
This card has no expiry date and is not subject to any dormancy, maintenance or inactivity fee.
1. Issuer
- Issued by:
No expiry, no fees — full stop
Provincial Consumer Protection Acts across Canada prohibit expiry dates on prepaid purchase cards, and separately prohibit maintenance, dormancy, service, inactivity and balance-inquiry fees that would erode the card's value over time.
Narrow exceptions only
A promotional gift card given away to raise money for charity or encourage a purchase can carry an expiry date, and so can a card redeemable for one specific service. An ordinary retail gift card sold to a customer cannot.
What each part of the card does
- Card number and issue date
- Lets the card be tracked and blocked if lost.
- Redemption scope
- What the card can be used for.
- Validity period
- No expiry by default, matching provincial law.
Legal requirements in Canada
Provincial Consumer Protection Acts ban expiry dates and most fees on gift cards.
Don't set an expiry date on an ordinary retail gift card
Every province and territory's Consumer Protection Act bans expiry dates on prepaid purchase cards sold to consumers.
Consumer Protection BC — Gift cardsDon't charge dormancy or maintenance fees
Maintenance, dormancy, service, inactivity and balance-inquiry fees are all prohibited — the full face value must stay redeemable from purchase until use.
How to fill in the gift card
- Name the issuer. The legal entity issuing the card.
- Number and date it. A unique number and issue date.
- Leave the expiry field blank. Only set a date if this is a genuine promotional giveaway or a single-service card.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Canadian retailer put an expiry date on a gift card I bought?
No — every province and territory bans expiry dates on gift cards sold to consumers. The only exceptions are cards given away for free promotional purposes and cards redeemable for one specific service.
Can they charge me a fee for not using it?
No — maintenance, dormancy, inactivity and balance-inquiry fees are all prohibited. The full value has to stay usable indefinitely.
What happens if the business goes bankrupt?
An unused gift card becomes an ordinary unsecured claim against the issuing business.
Can I use this template for a promotional giveaway?
Yes — note that it's a free promotional card, since promotional cards can lawfully carry an expiry date that a purchased card cannot.
Does redemption scope need to be stated?
It's good practice — it tells the holder exactly what the card can be used for, even though it doesn't affect the no-expiry rule.
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Disclaimer
This template and guide are for general information only and are not legal or tax advice.
