---
title: "Can I claim back a gift card that is unused or expired?"
description: "It's important to realise that an eGift delivered to the right person for the right reason is the legal property of the recipient for the entirety of the validity period. During this time the gift sender cannot take back the eGift just because the recipient hasn't redeemed it yet. This is the same case as if a physical gift card was given."
canonical_url: "https://help.giftpay.com/articles/can-i-claim-back-a-gift-card-that-is-unused-or-expired-v8TT62ggY5"
md_url: "https://help.giftpay.com/articles/can-i-claim-back-a-gift-card-that-is-unused-or-expired-v8TT62ggY5.md"
---
# Can I claim back a gift card that is unused or expired?

It's important to realise that an eGift delivered to the right person for the right reason is the legal property of the recipient for the entirety of the validity period. During this time the gift sender cannot take back the eGift just because the recipient hasn't redeemed it yet. This is the same case as if a physical gift card was given.

A recipient has until expiry to use their eGift. At any time a client can remind a recipient of their eGift by resending their eGift. After an eGift expires it cannot be claimed back. If the recipient has already selected a retailer gift card, the expired funds are forfeited to that retailer. If no specific retailer is chosen, the expired funds are forfeited to GiftPay. This is standard practice across the gift card industry and explains how GiftPay is able to operate this service and charge no setup, subscription or delivery fees.