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Gift Cards and Vouchers in Utrecht

Discover the rules for gift cards in Utrecht: minimum 2 years valid since 2022. Tips for remaining balance, bankruptcy, and more, with local advice via The Legal Aid Office Utrecht.

2 min leestijd

In Utrecht, gift cards and vouchers are popular among local shops and events. Since 2022, a minimum validity period of 2 years applies. Discover the rules relevant to residents of Utrecht.

## Minimum Validity in Utrecht

From 1 July 2022, gift cards and vouchers in the Netherlands, including Utrecht, must remain valid for at least 2 years. This includes:

  • Gift cards from Utrecht shops such as those in Hoog Catharijne
  • Vouchers for local services
  • Vouchers for attractions in the city
  • VVV vouchers and similar local vouchers
## Exceptions to the Rule

This legal minimum period does not apply to:

  • Discount coupons or codes for Utrecht offers
  • Vouchers from loyalty programs of local businesses
  • Free promotional vouchers
## Remaining Balance After Use

When a gift card is partially used at a Utrecht shop, the remaining balance is retained. The seller may not charge any additional fees for this remainder, which protects shoppers in the Domstad.

## Expired Before the New Rules

If your gift card expired before the rules took effect in 2022, the validity period often depended on the old terms (usually 1 year). Try requesting leniency at a Utrecht shop; otherwise, seek advice from The Legal Aid Office Utrecht.

## In the Event of a Shop Bankruptcy

When a shop in Utrecht goes bankrupt, a gift card often loses its value. As a holder, you rank low as a creditor. For more details on procedures, contact the Utrecht District Court or The Legal Aid Office Utrecht.

## Lost or Stolen Vouchers

A gift card functions like cash, so if it's lost or stolen in Utrecht, recovering the balance is usually not possible. Report it immediately to the shop and consider prevention tips from the Municipality of Utrecht for secure payments.

Veelgestelde vragen

Wat is mijn retourrecht?

Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.

Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?

Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.

Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?

Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.

Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?

Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.

Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?

Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.