American Express Won’t Sell Gift Cards in NJ [POLL]

American Express has pulled its gift cards from New Jersey pharmacies, groceries and convenience stores rather than attempt to comply with a new wrinkle in the state's unclaimed property law.

As of Monday, New Jersey residents can buy the cards only from AmEx directly.

The Treasury Department will soon require sellers to obtain ZIP codes from anyone who buys a gift card.

The state believes it can then claim the value of cards not redeemed after two years.

John Holub, president of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association, says the law poses serious administrative burdens to businesses and potential problems for consumers.

AmEx spokeswoman Vanessa McCutchen says there's no way the company can ensure compliance for cards sold through third-party retailers.

The case is being litigated. An injunction against ZIP code collections was lifted in March.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)