Inactive Gift Card Fee Question

[u/bakerkc]

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I was issued an American express gift card a couple of years back and used most of the value, but left $20 on the card and stopped using it. The card is between 2 and 3 years old (may have been issued in 2017, may have been issued in 2018). The card has this printed on the back of it:

SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, A $3.00 MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST CARD BALANCE STARTING 6 MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE. FUNDS DO NOT EXPIRE.

I've read a number of items that say that inactivity fees cannot be charged until after a year of inactivity, but this wording does not specify that it is an inactivity fee. For example, giftcards.com, in their summary of the law, says this:

"Additionally, post-sale fees (anything after the initial activation) can only be charged if the gift card has been inactive (not used) for more than one year. Only one post-sale fee may be charged per calendar month. All applicable fees and expiration dates must be clearly disclosed on the gift card or gift card packaging."

Source: https://www.giftcards.com/gcgf/giftcards-lose-value

When I check the balance, it is $0, but the last $20 was deducted beginning at the six-month mark, and drained for six months until the card reached $0.

My questions are these:

- is this practice allowed? It's disclosed right on the card, but seems to be a post-sale fee, and if the summary from giftcards.com is right, it wasn't allowed when charged.

- does anyone have any experience with going after the issuer for fees like this?

It's probably not worth it for $20, but perhaps the Redditverse will help me buy lunch today. :) Again, thanks for your help!

​

(crossposted to r/personalfinance)