Is that gift voucher useless? 7 things you need to know


I was on Radio Gloucestershire the other week regarding a local restaurant suddenly closing and your rights if you have vouchers. I often get asked this so thought a post would be useful.



Your rights regarding gift vouchers

  1. If the voucher is for any amount over £100 and was paid for by credit card then you have protection from the credit company under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
  2. It is possible that if you paid through your bank you could get your money back through Cashback. This is a voluntary scheme and you will need to check with your bank.
  3. If the company is taken over by another one it does not have to honour the voucher but always worth checking. They may well be of the opinion that if they honour the voucher that you will return and if they don’t you will not go there ever and tell your friends so!
  4. If you have bought your vouchers through a third party website it is worth contacting them. They do not legally have to refund you the money but they may as a goodwill gesture.
  5. Contact the administration company as soon as possible. You will be added to the creditors list, along with staff wages, the taxman etc., so it is highly unlikely that you will get your money but you have no chance at all if you don’t register your interest!
  6. Keep hold of your vouchers. Even if the company goes into an administration a buyer may be found which may honour the vouchers.
  7. See Retailer in administration for more information.

For all gift vouchers

  1. If you have a voucher and the company hasn’t gone bust, check the date anyway! Many vouchers in the terms and conditions state that the voucher lasts only a year or two years from purchase. Don’t get caught out as this is not illegal to put a date on it.
  2. The same applies for credit notes too.