Found Old Gift Cards? NY Comptroller Holds $28M+ You Can Claim

Finding a forgotten gift card during spring cleaning is always exciting.

But if it's been over five years since you received it, the unused balance may now belong to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Office of Unclaimed Funds.

Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets
 

Facts for 2026:

• New York retailers must turn over inactive gift card balances (no purchases for 5+ years) to the state.

• $28+ million in gift card funds were recovered by the state in 2025 alone—you can still claim yours.

• Total unclaimed funds returned to owners in 2025: over $580 million.

Registering helps because:

• Links the card to your name and contact info.

• Retailers with registration data (online purchases, store accounts, refunds) can notify you.

• Even unregistered cards can be claimed using the card number and balance info.

How to Check and Claim Your Gift Cards (2026)

1. Search online (fastest): New York Office of Unclaimed Funds
   Enter your name, business name, or gift card details.

2. Call: 800-221-9311 (M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)

3. Mail or in-person: Download claim form from the website or attend free claim events across NY.

Claims are 100% FREE—funds never expire.

Tips to Avoid Losing Gift Card Money

• Spend within 5 years.

• Register immediately (check retailer's website or receipt).

• Read the fine print for fees or expiration dates (though NY law protects most cards).

• Search annually at osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds.

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Don't miss out on money that's rightfully yours. Let us help you quickly search for unclaimed assets.

Start your free search now and see if you're owed a financial surprise!