September 29, 2026: Lowes to Pay $546,600 to Settle California Gift Card Law Consumer Protection Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES - Lowe's Home Centers, LLC will pay $546,600 in civil penalties, investigative costs and restitution to settle allegations that the company failed to let customers redeem cash for gift cards valued at less than $15 as required by California law.

"Companies who sell goods and services in California are required to abide by California consumer protection laws, including our law allowing consumers to redeem gift cards for cash if the balance is under $15," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "I thank Deputy District Attorney Louis Morin of the Consumer Protection Division for his tireless work alongside our partner district attorneys. Every dollar counts and this civil enforcement action will make a real difference for California consumers."

The California Gift Card Law (Civil Code section 1749.5) requires companies to redeem any gift card with a value of less than $15 for cash at the request of consumers. An investigation revealed that Lowe's did not redeem gift cards under the threshold amount when requested in numerous stores.

The judgment entered in Sonoma County Superior Court requires Lowe's to pay a total of $481,600 in civil penalties and $50,000 in investigative costs to the Sonoma County, Los Angeles County and Ventura County district attorneys' offices, as well as $15,000 in restitution to the California Consumer Protection Prosecution Trust Fund.

Lowe's is also required to include legally compliant language on gift cards and on its website, post notices at its Customer Service or Returns areas informing customers that Lowe's gift cards under $15 may be redeemed for cash and train its staff on the Gift Card law. Lowe's was cooperative throughout the investigation.

The lawsuit was led by the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office and assisted by the Los Angeles County and Ventura County district attorneys' offices.