Which U.S. states let you cash out a low-balance gift card, with current thresholds. Updated for California's new $15 rule.
At Card Depot, we keep our customers informed about the gift card rules that affect how you buy and use cards. One of the most useful is the set of state laws that let you cash out a gift card once its balance drops below a certain amount. These laws vary by state, and knowing them can help you pull the last few dollars off a card instead of letting them sit unused.
In the states below, when a gift card's remaining balance falls under the listed amount, you can ask the merchant for the rest in cash. This list was last updated in June 2026.
Cash-out thresholds by state
- California: less than $15. As of April 1, 2026, California raised its threshold from $10 to $15, the highest in the country, and the law now clearly covers electronic and digital gift cards.
- Colorado: less than $5.
- Connecticut: less than $5 (raised from the older $3 figure).
- Hawaii: less than $5.
- Maine: less than $5, if the card was originally worth more than $5.
- Massachusetts: once you have used at least 90% of the card's value, so 10% or less remains.
- Montana: less than $5, if the card was originally worth more than $5.
- New Jersey: less than $5, but only on a balance left after the card has been used at least once. It does not apply to non-reloadable cards that started at $5 or less.
- Oregon: less than $5.
- Rhode Island: less than $1.
- Vermont: $1 or less.
- Washington: less than $5.
A few other places have narrower or conditional cash-back rules, including New York and Texas, and Puerto Rico allows cash out for balances under $5. If you are not in one of the states above, you may not have a cash-out right at all.
How to redeem your gift card for cash
If you are in one of these states and your balance is under the threshold, present the card to the merchant and ask for the remaining balance in cash. Not every employee knows the law, so it can help to mention your state's rule, and to ask for a manager if needed. Some brands also handle this online. Starbucks, for example, lets you request cash back for a small balance online.
Important considerations
- Not all states have cash-out laws. If your state is not listed, you may not be entitled to a cash refund.
- These rules generally apply to store-specific, closed-loop gift cards. Bank-issued cards like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift cards are usually excluded.
- Some states only require cash out on cards that do not expire, or only after the card has been used at least once.
- Thresholds and conditions change. This is general information, not legal advice. When in doubt, check your state's current statute or consumer protection office.
At Card Depot, we stay on top of the rules that affect your gift cards so you can get the most value from them. Questions about a card or a state law? Reach out to our customer service team. For more ways to stretch your gift cards, see our tips and tricks page, or learn how to check any gift card balance.
