Traditional gift cards have limitations in terms of distribution and usage. While physical cards are enjoyable to give and receive, they are often forgotten or lost. Emails, on the other hand, suffer from low open rates and can get filtered as spam.
To overcome these challenges, digitizing gift cards in mobile wallets (Apple Wallet & Google Wallet) creates a digital twin of the physical card. This makes usage seamless in-store, where the card can be scanned or used via NFC, and online, thanks to its native integration into the checkout process.
An omnichannel experience for the customer
Instant accessibility
One of the key benefits of mobile wallet gift cards is their ease of access and use. In just a few seconds, the recipient can add their card directly to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet—without the need to download an app—through:
- A QR code printed on a receipt, displayed at the counter, or embedded on a website.
- An NFC chip on a physical card for instant addition with a simple tap.
- An email or SMS containing a direct link to add the card.
No more searching for an email, remembering a code, or carrying a physical card—the gift card is always available on the recipient’s smartphone!
Seamless use, in-store and online
Mobile wallet gift cards integrate naturally into an omnichannel customer journey:
- In-store, the card is pre-selected and ready to use at checkout by simply scanning a QR code or tapping the phone on an NFC terminal for even greater ease.
- Online, a dynamic link can be embedded on the back of the card, allowing customers to access the brand’s website and redeem their gift instantly.
👉 After each use, the card is automatically updated, and the remaining balance is adjusted in real time within the system. This ensures an accurate balance for both the customer and the brand.
Additionally, mobile wallet gift cards can be redeemable in multiple transactions (split payments) or require a single-use redemption.
Native POS integration for a frictionless experience
For a fast and seamless checkout process, mobile wallet gift cards integrate directly with retailers’ POS systems, including Cegid POS, Square, Shopify, and NewStore.
By scanning a QR code or using NFC technology, sales associates can instantly apply the gift card at checkout, ensuring a smooth and efficient shopping experience.
A powerful tool for engagement and loyalty
A personalized gift card for a unique experience
With mobile wallets, brands can add a personal touch to each gift card.
When purchasing a gift card, customers can include a personalized message, such as:
- “Happy Birthday! Enjoy your gift!”
- “Thank you for a great year—treat yourself!”
This message can be displayed:
- On the download page before adding the card to the wallet.
- Directly on the card within the wallet, so the recipient can see it anytime.
Brands can also customize the card’s design for different occasions—birthdays, holidays, Valentine’s Day, and more—allowing customers to select a design that best fits their gift.
This level of personalization transforms a simple gift card into a memorable and engaging experience.
Push notifications: 4x more effective than email
Unlike emails and SMS, which are often ignored, push notifications provide direct interaction with the customer.
- Expiration reminders encourage timely use of the gift card before it expires.
- Geolocated notifications alert customers when they are near a store, increasing the likelihood of in-store visits.
Exclusive offers and gamification
With mobile wallets, brands can make gift cards interactive and engaging:
- Personalizing the card based on special occasions (birthdays, holidays, events).
- Displaying personalized messages on the back of the card, such as special offers or loyalty bonuses, encouraging recipients to return to the store.
👉 Want to learn more about setting up mobile wallet gift cards? Discover how with Neostore!
Why Mobile Wallet Gift Cards Are Essential for Brands
Boost Sales and Enhance Customer Experience
- 20% higher redemption rates compared to physical cards.
- Increased average order value, as recipients often spend more than the original gift card amount.
- Improved customer experience, with a frictionless and highly intuitive adoption.
Security and Fraud Prevention
Thanks to tokenization technology, each card is secure and cannot be duplicated or fraudulently used.
Unlike physical cards, which can be lost or stolen, a gift card stored in a mobile wallet remains accessible and directly linked to the recipient’s smartphone.
Additionally, Face ID and Touch ID authentication ensure a secure checkout process, preventing unauthorized use.
Conclusion
Mobile wallet gift cards represent a true evolution from traditional formats. Always accessible on smartphones, they offer a seamless omnichannel experience, effortless usage in-store and online, and native POS integration for a frictionless checkout process.
Beyond convenience, they become a powerful engagement tool—with push notifications, personalized offers, custom designs, and direct interactions to strengthen customer relationships.
👉 Ready to integrate this innovative solution into your brand? Contact Neostore today and transform your gift cards into a powerful customer loyalty and conversion tool! 🚀