Lowe’s Home Centers Pays $546,600 to Settle California Gift Card Law Violations

Lowe's Stipulation and Final Judgment (PDF,  483 KB)

Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez announced today that her office, along with the District Attorneys of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, settled a civil enforcement action against Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC (“Lowe’s”) for violations of California’s Gift Card Law. The Stipulated Judgment entered on September 14, 2026 by Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Oscar Pardo, provides that the company will pay $546,600 in civil penalties, costs, fees, and restitution. 

“California’s Gift Card Law was designed to put money back in consumers’ wallets, which is more important now than ever,” said DA Rodriguez. “This settlement makes clear that companies doing business in California will be held accountable if they ignore the law.” 

The California Gift Card Law (Civil Code section 1749.5) prohibits gift cards from having an expiration date, and states that consumers are entitled to redeem in cash any gift card with a cash value of less than fifteen dollars ($15). An investigation revealed that Lowe’s did not redeem gift cards under the threshold amount when requested in numerous stores. Lowe’s was cooperative throughout the investigation. 

In addition to the monetary provisions of the judgment, Lowe’s is required to include Civil Code 1749.5-compliant language on gift cards and on its website, post notices at its Customer Service or Returns areas informing customers of their rights under the law, and train its staff on the Gift Card law. 

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Katy Yount. 

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