Firms charging inactivity fees on cards

Numerous retailers charge dormancy fees each month on the unused portion of a gift card after a predetermined period of time. According to the state treasurer’s office, some of those retailers include:

. Bangor Mall: In the form of a Visa debit card. Expires after one year. A $2.50 per month fee applied to any unused balance each month starting in the seventh month.

. Maine Mall: A $2 per month fee after 24 months. Expiration date unknown.

. Shaw’s Supermarkets: A $2 per month fee after 24 months.

. Hannaford: A $2 per month fee after 24 months.

. Panera Bread: A $2 per month fee after 12 months.

. Hollywood Video: $1 per month fee after 24 months.

. Olive Garden restaurant: A $1.50 per month fee after 15 months.

. Barnes and Noble: A $1.50 per month fee after 12 months.

. American Express: A $2 per month fee after 12 months.

. Toys R Us: $2 per month fee after 24 months.

. Kmart Corp.: $2.10 per month fee after 24 months.

. Bank of America: In the form of a Visa debit card. A $2.50 per month fee after six months. Card expires after 18 months. A $15 charge to reissue a lost or expired card. The bank charges between $5.95 to $11.95 to purchase the card. Cards are purchased online or by telephone.

. Banknorth N.A.: In the form of a Visa debit card. A $2.50 per month fee after 12 months. Expiration dates vary depending on which state the card is purchased in. The bank charges between $3.95 to $5.95 to purchase the card.