As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, I know that gift cards can be a convenient and appreciated gift for any occasion. And when it comes to fast food gift cards, Subway is a top choice for many consumers. With over 40,000 locations worldwide and a menu full of customizable sandwiches, Subway gift cards offer a tasty and flexible dining option. But before you stock up on these green and yellow gift cards, it‘s important to understand the details of Subway‘s gift card policies – especially regarding expiration dates.
Do Subway Gift Cards Expire?
The most pressing question on most gift card buyers‘ minds is: will this gift card eventually expire? Fortunately, Subway gift cards have no expiration date and remain valid until the balance is depleted. This is true for both physical gift cards purchased in-store and digital gift cards (eGift cards) bought online. Subway‘s policy is straightforward and consumer-friendly, especially compared to some other major retailers.
For example, Best Buy gift cards expire after two years of inactivity, and Visa gift cards often charge monthly inactivity fees if not used within 12 months. In contrast, Subway gift cards have no fees and maintain their value whether you use them next week or next decade. This gives recipients the freedom to redeem their gift card on their own timeline without worrying about losing the balance.
Subway Gift Card Basics
Subway gift cards can be purchased in denominations ranging from $5 to $500. Physical gift cards are sold at participating Subway locations, major grocery stores, drug stores, and other retail outlets. Digital Subway gift cards (eGift cards) can be purchased online through Subway‘s website or app and are delivered via email.
One convenient feature of Subway gift cards is that they are reloadable, meaning you can add more funds to an existing card at any time. However, gift cards are capped at a maximum balance of $500 per card, so you may need to use multiple cards for larger purchases.
If you receive a Subway gift card, it‘s wise to register the card on Subway‘s website as soon as possible. Registering your card allows you to easily check the balance, view transaction history, and set up balance alerts. Most importantly, registration enables you to request a replacement card if your original card is ever lost or stolen – though some terms and conditions do apply.
Subway Gift Card Usage and Trends
Subway gift cards are a popular choice among consumers, with over $70 million worth of Subway gift cards and egifts purchased in 2019 alone (Subway Annual Report, 2019). And that figure doesn‘t even include the countless Subway gift cards purchased from third-party retailers.
Industry research shows that food and beverage gift cards like Subway‘s are especially appealing to younger consumers. A 2019 survey by Blackhawk Network found that 73% of Gen Z respondents and 69% of Millennial respondents had given or received a food and beverage gift card in the past year.
Gift cards also tend to drive increased spending at restaurants. A 2017 study by First Data found that consumers using gift cards spend an average of $59 more than the value of their gift card. So while you may initially receive a $20 Subway gift card, don‘t be surprised if you end up spending $25-30 on your meal by adding chips, cookies, and a fountain drink.
Creative Ways to Use Subway Gift Cards
Beyond simply paying for your own lunch, there are plenty of creative ways to utilize Subway gift cards:
- As a thank-you gift for teachers, coaches, or helpful neighbors
- As a prize or incentive for students, employees, or survey respondents
- As a charitable donation to a local food bank, shelter, or fundraiser
- As a budgeting tool to pre-allocate your monthly dining out expenses
- As a way to treat a friend to lunch while maintaining social distance
- As an emergency food fund kept in your car or office desk
- As a gift for the sandwich-obsessed teen or college student in your life
Subway even offers a Subway Card Fundraising Program that allows non-profit organizations to sell physical and digital Subway gift cards and earn a portion of the proceeds. It‘s an easy and tasty way for groups like schools, sports teams, and church groups to raise money for their cause.
The Financial and Environmental Impact
From Subway‘s perspective, offering gift cards with no expiration date and no fees is a smart business move. While some unused gift card balances do end up as pure profit for retailers, the goodwill gained by offering customer-friendly policies often outweighs the potential financial benefit of breakage (the industry term for unredeemed gift card balances).
Furthermore, selling gift cards provides a cash flow boost for Subway franchisees. Gift card sales equate to an interest-free loan from customers until the cards are redeemed. This immediate cash flow can help cover operational expenses and improve a store‘s financial health.
It‘s also worth considering the environmental impact of gift cards. Producing and shipping physical gift cards does require natural resources and contribute to waste. However, many retailers now offer recyclable or compostable gift cards made from paper or bio-plastics. Digital gift cards delivered by email or mobile app are an even eco-friendlier choice.
Subway allows customers to easily transfer balances from physical cards to a digital Subway Card within the Subway app. This flexibility allows eco-conscious consumers to minimize the waste associated with physical gift cards.
The Fine Print
As with any gift card, it‘s important to read the terms and conditions to understand the nitty gritty of Subway‘s policies. While Subway cards never expire, there are a few limitations to note:
- Subway cards cannot be redeemed for cash unless required by law (currently only mandated in 11 U.S. states).
- Subway cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards.
- If your purchase exceeds your gift card balance, you must use an additional payment method to cover the remaining amount.
Subway reserves the right to refuse redemption of a gift card if it suspects the card was obtained fraudulently. And the company does not assume any liability for lost or stolen cards, so remember to treat your Subway gift card like cash.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Subway gift cards are a solid choice for gifting or personal use. The fact that Subway cards never expire and have no hidden fees makes them a consumer-friendly option in the world of gift cards. Whether you‘re looking to treat a friend to lunch, manage your own dining budget, or support a fundraising campaign, Subway gift cards offer a flexible and convenient solution.
So the next time you‘re in line at Subway mulling over the myriad of bread, cheese, and vegetable options, you can rest assured that the gift card in your wallet (or on your phone) will be ready to redeem whenever the craving strikes. Those two triangular slices of toasted perfection can be yours with a simple swipe – no expiration date required.
