IOWA
Definition of Gift Card/Gift Certificate:
Iowa Code §537.1301(22)
“Gift certificate” means a merchandise certificate conspicuously designated as a gift certificate, and purchased by a buyer for use by a person other than the buyer.
Iowa Code §556.9
“Gift certificate” means a merchandise certificate or electronic gift card conspicuously designated as a gift certificate or electronic gift card, and generally purchased by a buyer for use by a person other than the buyer.
Fee Provision:
Iowa Code §556.9
No fee can be charged unless there is a contract.
Escheat Provision:
Iowa Code §556.9
1. c. Except as provided in subsection 2, funds represented by a gift certificate balance that has not been presented within five years from the date of issuance of the gift certificate are presumed abandoned.
2. b. Notwithstanding the time limitation in subsection 1, a gift certificate redeemable for merchandise only that is not subject to an expiration date and that is not subject to a deduction from the face value of the gift certificate for failure of the owner of the gift certificate to present the gift certificate in a timely manner, or subject to any other charge or service fee, which card remains unpresented, shall continue in force and be eligible for presentation for an indefinite period of time, and shall not be subject to a presumption of abandonment.
SOURCE: National Conference of State Legislatures
PLEASE NOTE: Please note the summaries should be used for general informational purposes and not as a legal reference. DropZone Marketing is unable to answer questions or provide guidance to business owners regarding gift cards and gift certificate laws and practices. If you have questions regarding issuing or redeeming a gift card or gift certificate or a retailer’s practices, please contact the Office of the Attorney General in your state.
