As rewards and loyalty advocates, we’re constantly exploring new and innovative ways businesses can use Visa and eftpos gift cards to achieve meaningful outcomes. Working with organisations across industries has shown us just how versatile gift cards can be —and how effective they are when aligned to clear objectives.
A common challenge we see is this:
“We know gift cards work—but how do we use them to support multiple business goals?”
To help, we’ve compiled 14 proven ways businesses use gift cards to drive growth, engagement, and loyalty.
1. Customer Acquisition
Objective: Grow your customer database
Attract new customers with a compelling incentive. Send a branded eftpos or Visa gift card via DM or email to encourage first-time purchases. Pair it with a customised activation portal to capture customer data and build your database for future engagement.
2. Prizes & Raffles
Objective: Build brand awareness and positive association
Run a sweepstakes or prize draw with purchase. Collect entries via an online form and reward winners with branded gift cards. Extend engagement by offering a second-chance draw for non-winners.
3. Cross-Sell Campaigns
Objective: Increase sales of specific products or services
Target existing customers with a tailored offer and include a gift card as an incentive. A simple direct mail or email campaign paired with a branded card can motivate customers to try new products.
4. Cash-Back Promotions
Objective: Drive sales during slow periods
Encourage purchases by offering a gift card as cash-back. The flexibility of an eftpos or Visa card makes it especially appealing. Support with a customised cardholder portal and cross-channel communications to maximise uptake.
5. Competitions
Objective: Boost engagement
Create excitement with competitions that reward customers using gift cards. Hide rewards in products or offer varying denominations to increase participation and anticipation.
6. Event Days
Objective: Increase attendance and participation
Whether it’s a customer event, product launch, or company milestone, including a gift card with your invitation can significantly lift attendance and engagement.
7. Market Study Incentives
Objective: Improve participation and data quality
Gift cards are a secure, scalable alternative to petty cash for surveys and research. They encourage participation—especially for longer studies—and can be branded for added impact.
8. Loyalty Programs
Objective: Increase revenue without increasing acquisition costs
Reward repeat customers with gift cards as part of a loyalty program. Retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones—and gift cards help reinforce that relationship.
9. Member Retention
Objective: Increase returning members
Recognise loyalty by rewarding long-term members or those who prepay fees or refer others. Small gestures, like a branded gift card, can have an outsized impact on retention.
10. Participant Rewards
Objective: Improve research outcomes
Thank participants for their time with a Visa or eftpos gift card. Flexible rewards attract a broader pool of qualified participants and improve completion rates.
11. Reseller Rewards
Objective: Strengthen partner relationships and boost sales
Motivate resellers with tiered gift card incentives based on sales performance. Branded cards reinforce your relationship and keep your business top of mind.
12. Referral Programs
Objective: Acquire new customers through existing ones
Turn your customers into brand advocates. Reward successful referrals with a gift card to show appreciation and encourage ongoing referrals.
13. Staff Recognition
Objective: Improve morale and productivity
Recognise achievements and milestones with gift cards staff can use anywhere. Flexible branding and denomination options make it easy to fit any budget.
14. Sales Incentives
Objective: Increase motivation and sales performance
Incentivise your sales team with gift cards tied to performance milestones or deal value. Percentage-based rewards encourage teams to go the extra mile.
The takeaway:
Gift cards aren’t just rewards—they’re a strategic tool. When aligned to clear objectives, Visa and eftpos gift cards can drive acquisition, engagement, loyalty, and growth across your entire business.