Gift Card Balance Tracker
Track spending against a gift card balance and see what is left and when it expires.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Track purchases and any fees entered for the card. Expiration and inactivity-fee rules vary by location, card type, and issuer terms; check the specific card terms and applicable local rules.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Original gift card value 100 $ · Purchase 1 35 $ · Purchase 2 20 $ · Purchase 3 0 $ · Monthly inactivity fee 0 $ · Months since last use 3 months Total spent 55.00 $ · Fees charged 0.00 $ · Balance remaining 45.00 $ · Percentage used 55.0 % · Note No fee entered; check the card terms for expiration and inactivity rules
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
R = max(0, V − Σs_i − f×m)
- R
- Remaining balance
- V
- Original card value
- Σs_i
- Sum of all purchases
- f
- Monthly inactivity fee
- m
- Months inactive
Any inactivity fee is user-entered for illustration. Expiration and fee rules depend on the card terms and applicable local law; verify with the issuer or local authority.
Frequently asked questions
Why do inactivity fees erode a gift card balance over time?
The tool subtracts monthly inactivity fee times months since last use from the original value, so a $100 card with a $2 monthly fee unused for 10 months loses $20 before any spending. Balances cannot go negative, the result is clamped at zero. Many jurisdictions limit or ban dormancy fees on gift cards, so whether the fee even applies depends on your local rules, which the note flags when months exceed six.
Does this tracker determine whether a fee or expiration is legal?
No. It only applies the monthly fee and purchases you enter. Gift-card expiration and inactivity-fee rules vary by location, card type, and issuer terms; verify the specific card terms and applicable local rules.