Ask HN: Is Amazon violating consumer protection laws?

I placed an order on Amazon this week and selected the free "No-Rush Shipping" option so I can receive a $1 credit that can be spent on Amazon Instant Video, eBooks, and digital music. After the order shipped, I received an email that states the credit expires on May 4, 2015.

Gift cards are heavily regulated[1] and cannot expire within five years from the date they were activated.

Are there any similar laws for credit that protect consumers?

1. http://www.ncsl.org/research/financial-services-and-commerce/gift-cards-and-certificates-statutes-and-legis.aspx