# Commercial Law (GCL)

## Title 14. Miscellaneous Consumer Protection Provisions

### Subtitle 49. Gift Card Fraud

#### Section 14-4901

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Closed-loop gift card" means a card, code, or device that is:

  (1) Issued to a consumer on a prepaid basis primarily for personal, family, or household purposes in a specified amount, regardless of whether that amount may be increased or reloaded in exchange for payment; and

  (2) Redeemable on presentation by a consumer at a single merchant or a group of affiliated merchants.

(c) "Division" has the meaning stated in Sec. 13-101 of this article.

(d) "Merchant" has the meaning stated in Sec. 13-101 of this article.

(e) "Open-loop gift card" means a card, code, or device that is:

  (1) Issued to a consumer on a prepaid basis primarily for personal, family, or household purposes in a specified amount, regardless of whether that amount may be increased or reloaded in exchange for payment;

  (2) Payment card network branded; and

  (3)

    (i) Redeemable on presentation at multiple unaffiliated merchants for goods or services within the payment card network; or

    (ii) Usable at an automated teller machine.

(f) "Third-party gift card reseller" means a merchant who, without authorization from or affiliation with the business entity issuing an open- or a closed-loop gift card, is engaged in the business of:

  (1) Buying open- or closed-loop gift cards on behalf of consumers; or

  (2) Reselling open- or closed-loop gift cards to consumers.

---

Md. Code Ann., Com. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)