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Voucher only partly redeemed: what about the rest?

Bought something cheaper with the voucher than the voucher is worth, and the rest? That belongs to you. A retailer may not simply keep the remaining credit, even if they do not have to pay it out in cash.

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Clarify your question

Your chances of getting your money back

If you redeem a voucher only partly, the remaining credit stays. You can use it for a further purchase; the voucher does not expire due to the partial redemption. Vouchers generally only become time-barred after three years, at the end of the year in which they were issued.
There is as a rule no obligation to pay out the remaining amount in cash, but the value remains usable as credit. Clauses that let the remaining amount expire without compensation are often invalid.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Record the remaining credit

    Have the remaining voucher value confirmed (receipt or note).

  2. 2

    2. Keep using it

    Use the remaining credit for a later purchase; it stays valid.

  3. 3

    3. Mind the limitation period

    Use the voucher within the limitation period (as a rule three years, at the end of the year).

  4. 4

    4. If refused

    If the retailer wants to keep the rest, point out that the credit remains valid.

Frequently asked questions

Does my voucher expire if I only redeem it partly?

No. The remaining credit stays after a partial redemption and can be used for a further purchase. Vouchers generally only become time-barred after three years, at the end of the year of issue. Clauses that let the remaining amount expire immediately are often invalid.

Does the retailer have to pay out the remaining amount to me?

As a rule not in cash, but you are entitled to keep using the remaining credit as a voucher. So the value may not be taken from you. Have the remaining amount confirmed and redeem it within the limitation period on a further purchase.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.