Blockbuster Gift Cards redeemable for Cash?

[NeoFrank1]

I've got some Blockbuster Gift Cards that I really have no interest in using. I was thinking of selling them off on ebay or Craigslist when I saw this in the binding rules and agreements concerning giftcards:



Your use of a BLOCKBUSTER GiftCard® constitutes your acceptance of these terms. BLOCKBUSTER GiftCards may be applied toward the cost of any eligible merchandise sold or rented at any participating BLOCKBUSTER® store location located in the United States up to the remaining value, except that GiftCards cannot be used to purchase GiftCards. GiftCards with pin numbers may also be redeemed online at www.blockbuster.com (http://www.blockbuster.com). Membership rules and certain restrictions apply for rental. GiftCards are not redeemable for cash, except where required by law, and may not be returned.


This was from the blockbuster.com website (http://www.blockbuster.com/homepages/displayPage.action?channel1=Corporate&channel2=Customer+Service&channel3=GiftCards&nav=false). Anyone know where GiftCards are redeemable for cash, according to the law? And has anyone ever done this?

[waterboy100]

california is the only state so far that i am aware of (of course that because i live in cali..so). when i worked at target i knew that people could exchange thier giftcards for cash but the 'upstairs people" didnt know about it..

[klwillis45]

Nope. BBV GCs only "cash out" when the balance is <$1 unless required by law.

[eshbums]

I've got some Blockbuster Gift Cards that I really have no interest in using. I was thinking of selling them off on ebay or Craigslist when I saw this in the binding rules and agreements concerning giftcards:




This was from the blockbuster.com website (http://www.blockbuster.com/homepages/displayPage.action?channel1=Corporate&channel2=Customer+Service&channel3=GiftCards&nav=false). Anyone know where GiftCards are redeemable for cash, according to the law? And has anyone ever done this?

If you're selling them on ebay or craigslist - that doesn't really apply. You're not redeeming them for cash, you're selling them.

How much are they for, if you don't mind me asking? I buy used DVDs from them all the time and might save you an ebay trip if they're not too much. :)

[NeoFrank1]

Nope. BBV GCs only "cash out" when the balance is <$1 unless required by law.

The "required by law" thing is the part I'm interested in. Does California require by law Blockbuster to redeem their GCs for cash? I'm not a law-talkin'-guy so I don't really know anything about this stuff.


If you're selling them on ebay or craigslist - that doesn't really apply. You're not redeeming them for cash, you're selling them.


That's not really what I meant. I meant I was thinking of selling them off on ebay or CL, but if I could just redeem them for cash from Blockbuster, that would obviously be the best option.

I've got 2 Gift Cards and 2 Value Cards (with store credit) for a total of about $253. I was hoping to get at least 90% of the value, but I will consider other offers.

[schuerm26]

Im about 99% sure you can't get cash for them from a blockbuster store, just like you can only get trade in credit. If you put them on ebay you would get 90% of the value or close.

[puternerd]

California law regarding gift cards:

Q.4. Can the holder of a gift certificate or gift card redeem it for cash?

A. This depends on the policy of the seller. The gift certificate law states that a seller must redeem a gift certificate or gift card sold after January 1, 1997 for its cash value, or replace it with a new certificate or card at no cost12. However, California’s Legislative Counsel has concluded that a seller is not required to redeem a gift certificate in cash when requested by a consumer13. Thus, some gift certificate sellers redeem the gift certificate for cash or a combination of merchandise and cash, while some issue a new certificate for any balance remaining after the original certificate is redeemed. A gift certificate or gift card without an expiration date is valid until it is redeemed or replaced14.

Sometimes, a gift certificate or gift card is sold to the purchaser as a gift for another person (the “recipient”). In this case, the seller may choose to state a date on the gift certificate or gift card by which the recipient must redeem it. Since an expiration date normally is not permitted by the gift certificate law, a seller that chooses to state a redemption date on a gift card or gift certificate must give the purchaser a full refund of the amount paid for the certificate or card if the recipient does not redeem it by the redemption date15.

All the info you seek can be had on this page:

http://www.dca.ca.gov/legal/s-11.htm