Claim Your Forgotten Gift Cards – New York State Holds Millions (2026)

Found an old gift card tucked away? If it's been 5+ years since you used it, New York State likely has your money through Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Office of Unclaimed Funds.

2026 Facts:

  • Retailers must send inactive gift card balances to the state after 5 years of no activity.

  • $28+ million in gift cards recovered in 2025 alone – all claimable.

  • Total returned to owners in 2025: $580 million+.

Worth reading: The State By State Guide to Unclaimed Assets

Why register?

  • Ties the card to your name/contact info.

  • Helps retailers notify you if lost.

  • Even unregistered cards can be claimed with card number + balance.

 

3 Ways to Claim Your Money (Free, No Deadline)

  1. Online (easiest): NY Unclaimed Funds Search
    Enter name or gift card details.

  2. Phone: 800-221-9311 (M–F, 8am–5pm)

  3. Mail/In-Person: Free claim events statewide + mail option.

 

Don't Lose Free Money – Do This Now

  • Spend within 5 years.

  • Register at purchase (retailer website/app).

  • Check fine print for fees (NY law protects most cards).

  • Search yearly – takes 2 minutes. Check it here.

Your cash is waiting. Claim it before someone else finds your card!

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Let us help you discover if you have unclaimed assets waiting for you.

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Category: Unclaimed Assets

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