The legal minimum
In the Netherlands a minimum term of two years applies to gift cards, and many issuers offer longer. A shorter term than the legal minimum is not allowed for consumer cards.
It differs per type of credit
Retail gift cards usually carry a fixed end date. Platform credit added to an account, such as a game store wallet balance, generally does not expire once redeemed. Prepaid payment codes such as paysafecard do have a term and sometimes a monthly deduction after it.
So the safest route is to redeem the code onto your account quickly, even if you spend it later.
Card just expired, what now
Contact the issuer with your proof of purchase. Some issuers grant a one-off extension as a gesture, especially if the card expired recently. A reseller cannot do this for you; the terms sit with the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
- Does credit already on my account expire?
- With most platforms it does not, but check the terms, as a few services do apply a term.
- Can a term be shortened after purchase?
- No, the term that applied at purchase remains in force for that card.
- Where do I find the end date?
- On the card itself, in the confirmation e-mail, or on the issuer's balance page.
