(a) This section applies to a gift card that:
(1) Is processed through a national credit or debit card service; and
(2) May be used to purchase goods or services from multiple unaffiliated sellers of goods and services.
(b) A gift card may be subject to expiration or a postsale fee, including a service fee, dormancy fee, account maintenance fee, cash-out fee, gift card replacement fee, activation fee, or reactivation fee, if the following disclosures are printed clearly in a visible place on the front or back of the gift card in at least 10 point type:
(1) With respect to the expiration date, the date on which the gift card expires; and
(2) With respect to a postsale fee:
(i) The amount of the fee;
(ii) The circumstances under which the fee will be imposed;
(iii) The frequency with which the fee will be imposed; and
(iv) Whether the fee is triggered by inactivity.
(c) If the disclosures required under subsection (b) of this section are hidden by the packaging of the gift card, the seller or issuer shall give the purchaser a written statement of the disclosures before the gift card is sold or issued.
(d) In addition to printing the information required under subsection (b) of this section on a gift card:
(1) If a gift card is sold or issued by electronic means, the seller or issuer shall include a conspicuous written statement of the information in the electronic message offering the gift card; and
(2) If a gift card is sold or issued by telephonic means, the seller or issuer, before the gift card is sold, shall state the information to the purchaser.
(e) Unless the change benefits the consumer, a term or condition disclosed under subsection (b) of this section may not be changed after the date of purchase or issuance.
(f) A violation of any provision of this section:
(1) Is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and
(2) Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13-411 of this article.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 14 - Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions
Subtitle 13 - Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 14-1302 - Preservation of Consumers' Claims and Defenses in Consumer Credit Contracts
Section 14-1303 - Waiver by Consumer Invalid in Certain Replevin Actions
Section 14-1304 - Unsolicited Sending of Merchandise
Section 14-1305 - Credit Card Issued Without Request
Section 14-1306 - Extension of Appliance Service Contract
Section 14-1307 - Ladders Capable of Conducting Electricity
Section 14-1308 - Processing Instructions on Certain Photographic Film
Section 14-1309 - Stoves and Freestanding Fireplaces
Section 14-1310 - Unvented Portable Kerosene-Fired Heaters
Section 14-1311 - Extended Warranties
Section 14-1312 - Return of Checks
Section 14-1313 - Unsolicited Facsimile Transmissions
Section 14-1314 - Security Systems
Section 14-1316 - Limitation on Recovering of Bedding
Section 14-1317 - Receiving Consigned Goods From Transporter
Section 14-1318 - Printing Payment Device Numbers on Receipts
Section 14-1319 - Gift Certificates
Section 14-1321 - Merchant Contact Information for Internet Sales Contracts
Section 14-1322 - Third-Party Vendor Billing
Section 14-1323 - Credit Card Blacklisting Prevention
Section 14-1324 - "Mug Shot" Web Sites
Section 14-1325 - Nondisparagement Clauses in Consumer Contracts