Digital Transactions Authoritative, insightful and timely information for payments professionals
With consumers contending with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, rewards offered by the card networks could take on added importance. Blackhawk Network is counting on that, and has introduced a capability for mobile-phone users to add digital rewards to their Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay wallets.
Working with Rybbon, a McLean, Va.-based provider of digital-rewards technology, Blackhawk says its new program allows clients to offer various open-loop reward programs that work on the Mastercard network. Digital rewards can be delivered within minutes after a cardholder has earned them, according to the companies. “Consumers appreciate the speed and versatility of virtual rewards, and now is the time for businesses to leverage them to boost participation and engagement in programs,” said Jignesh Shah, chief executive of 5-year-old Rybbon, in a statement.
Blackhawk says both contactless payments and mobile-wallet use are on the rise, making the new digital-reward program timely. “Contactless payments are becoming more commonplace in the U.S. and have significant traction globally,” says Bill Warshauer, vice president for sales at Blackhawk. “Our research found that 81% of respondents agree that a digital prepaid reward would make them more likely to do business with a company in the future.”
In related news, Blackhawk announced Tuesday it will also unveil May 5 a Web site dedicated to marketing physical and digital gift cards whose purchase proceeds will be donated to first responders and other organizations contending with the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak. The site, giftcardsdogood.com, will feature cards from a wide swath of merchants, including restaurants and clothing and home-goods stores.
Blackhawk’s clients include more than 1,000 brands with more than 200.000 store locations in 28 countries.
