Beverly Hills 11/17/2009 1:42:03 AM
News / Business

Federal Reserve Announces New Proposal To Regulate Gift Cards

Finance World News Update by EQUITIES Magazine

Today the Federal Reserve announced a new proposal to regulate gift cards. Consumers stand to benefit from the new rules, which would prohibit companies imposing excessive penalties for not using gift cards in a timely manner.

 

The press release stated, “The proposed rules would prohibit dormancy, inactivity, and service fees on gift cards unless: (1) there has been at least one year of inactivity on the certificate or card; (2) no more than one such fee is charged per month; and (3) the consumer is given clear and conspicuous disclosures about the fees. Expiration dates for funds underlying gift cards must be at least five years after the date of issuance, or five years after the date when funds were last loaded.”

 

The Fed also said that more than 95 percent of Americans have received or purchased gift cards.

 

The new provisions will take effect on August 22, 2010.

 

About EQUITIES:

 

Since 1951, EQUITIES Magazine has been a leading media company providing business editorial content designed to serve the needs of business leaders, professionals, institutional investors and retail investors. We are focused on business and the business of making money, not on lifestyle subjects. We publish original reporting in print and on our website, as well as select content at www.nasdaq.com. For 28 years we have hosted our own branded investor conferences that connect public company CEO’s with our loyal readers in the investment community.

 

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