New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to spend and register the gift cards they receive during the holidays to avoid losing track of their money. After five years of inactivity, retailers are required by law to turn unused gift card balances over to the State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF), where the money can always be claimed. In 2025, DiNapoli’s office recovered more than $28 million in unused gift cards that New Yorkers can claim.
“Spend those gift cards you get this holiday season, so they do not become unclaimed funds,” DiNapoli said. “Also consider taking the extra step of registering the gift card so if you do forget about it, it is easier to return those funds to you. No one wants to lose money, and we want to make sure if you do, you know you can always claim it by going to our website. Funds sent to our office never expire and are free to claim.”
Registering a gift card helps retailers connect unused balances to a person’s name, making it easier for DiNapoli’s office to reunite New Yorkers with their money if a card is lost or goes unused.
Retailers can provide OUF with a name if the person registers the gift card online, if they have been issued a refund, or if the card was purchased with an existing store account. If the owner’s information is not known to a New York retailer, it will report the card details, such as card number and balance, which can be used by the recipient to claim the balance.
Unclaimed funds can be claimed at any time online, by phone at 800-221-9311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by mail, or at in-person events, which are held throughout the year across the state. Claims are always free to file, and funds never expire.
DiNapoli reminds gift card recipients to read the fine print on the card for details about any fees and expiration dates.
In 2025, OUF returned more than $580 million to their rightful owners.
About the Office of the New York State Comptroller
The Office of the New York State Comptroller serves as the chief fiscal watchdog for the State of New York. Led by the State Comptroller, the office is responsible for protecting taxpayer dollars by uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse while providing independent oversight of State, New York City, and local government finances. It reviews State contracts and payments, maintains the State accounting system, administers the payroll, and offers technical assistance and training to local officials and school districts.
A central responsibility of the office is managing and safeguarding the New York State Common Retirement Fund, one of the largest and best-funded public pension systems in the nation. The Comptroller also administers the State retirement system, ensuring long-term financial security for public employees and retirees. In addition, the office plays a leading role in promoting transparency in government spending through public reporting tools and open financial data initiatives.
The Comptroller’s Office delivers direct benefits to New Yorkers by fighting public corruption and returning unclaimed funds to their rightful owners, distributing millions of dollars in lost money every day. It also supports important savings programs, including the 529 College Savings Program and NY ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities. Through fiscal oversight, accountability, and public service, the office works to strengthen trust in government and protect the financial interests of all New Yorkers.
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