If my prepaid card expires, do I lose my money?

If your prepaid card expires while you still have money on it, you may be able to request a replacement card to access the funds. You may also try to close out your account by requesting that your balance be mailed to you in the form of a check. The provider might charge you a fee for this. Be sure to check your cardholder agreement to see if you can get back the money that may still be on the card when it expires.

The rules for gift cards are different. Gift card funds must be good for at least five years under federal law, and some states laws give you more time. Under federal law, inactivity fees can only be charged after 12 months of inactivity and if other conditions are met.