How long are vouchers valid for?

Before you store your vouchers on the shelf, you should check how long they are valid. Here, too, there are rules that business must adhere to. You can find out which these are and whether you can still submit your voucher in this practical tip.

General validity periods for vouchers

• According to the German Civil Code (BGB), vouchers generally expire after three years. The expiry time begins at the end of the year in which the voucher was issued.
• Example: If your voucher was issued on June 20, 2019, you can still take your time until December 31, 2022.
• However, there are exceptions as always. This allows the retailer to limit a voucher to one year. However, less than a year is not permitted.
• If the retailer limits the redemption period to six months, this is ineffective. You then have three years to redeem the voucher.

Special regulations for vouchers - so you can still get some money

Even if the voucher has expired, you can still get some money out of it, according to lawyers and consumer advice centers.

• If, for example, you have not redeemed a hairdressing voucher that was limited to one year, the business no longer has to provide you with the service. However, since the voucher has been paid for and it only expires after three years, the business must at least partially refund you money.
• In such a case, 15 to 25 percent is usually deducted from the voucher value. At 50 euros, you should still get a good 30 euros.
• It is different with vouchers that are linked to a fixed event, for example a football game or a musical visit.
• If you miss such a performance, the voucher will also expire and you have no right to compensation.
• Even if the store files for bankruptcy, the voucher expires - unless a legal successor for the business is found.
• You can also find detailed information on this topic at verbraucherzentrale.de.