(a) This section applies to a gift card that:
- (1) Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and
- (2) May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods and services.
(b) A gift card may be subject to expiration or a postsale fee, including a service fee, dormancy fee, account maintenance fee, cash-out fee, gift card replacement fee, activation fee, or reactivation fee, if the following disclosures are printed clearly in a visible place on the front or back of the gift card in at least 10 point type:
- (1) With respect to the expiration date, the date on which the gift card expires; and
(2) With respect to a postsale fee:
- (i) The amount of the fee;
- (ii) The circumstances under which the fee will be imposed;
- (iii) The frequency with which the fee will be imposed; and
- (iv) Whether the fee is triggered by inactivity.
- (c) If the disclosures required under subsection (b) of this section are hidden by the packaging of the gift card, the seller or issuer shall give the purchaser a written statement of the disclosures before the gift card is sold or issued.
(d) In addition to printing the information required under subsection (b) of this section on a gift card:
- (1) If a gift card is sold or issued by electronic means, the seller or issuer shall include a conspicuous written statement of the information in the electronic message offering the gift card; and
- (2) If a gift card is sold or issued by telephonic means, the seller or issuer, before the gift card is sold, shall state the information to the purchaser.
- (e) Unless the change benefits the consumer, a term or condition disclosed under subsection (b) of this section may not be changed after the date of purchase or issuance.
(f) A violation of any provision of this section:
- (1) Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
- (2) Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.
Added by Acts 2005, c. 456, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006.