Blackhawk Network, a global branded payments provider, and Visa, a leading global payments technology company, have partnered to launch a new Tap to Pay Visa Gift Card designed to offer enhanced security and seamless contactless payments.
The partnership aims to deliver a more secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional physical gift cards by integrating contactless tap-to-pay functionality and eliminating sensitive data from the card’s surface.
This innovation is intended to reduce the risk of fraud and provide a convenient payment experience.
Blackhawk Network, also known as BHN, is renowned for offering branded payments, gift card solutions, and payment technologies across both digital and physical formats.
Visa, on the other hand, is one of the world’s most prominent payments networks, enabling digital commerce at over 150 million merchant locations globally.
The new Tap to Pay Visa Gift Card can be used anywhere contactless Visa payments are accepted. It comes in tamper-evident packaging and does not display an account number, CVV, or magnetic stripe.
This makes it significantly harder for bad actors to extract sensitive information. Funds are accessed either by tapping the card at enabled terminals or adding it to a digital wallet via BHN’s MyCardWallet app.
Additional MyCardWallet app features include the ability to check balances and transaction history, request unique card details for eCommerce purchases, and apply biometric authentication through Apple or Google ID for added security.
The card is backed by BHN’s proprietary technology and is part of its BHN Protect™ fraud prevention programme, which leverages over two decades of experience in mitigating gift card fraud.
The Tap to Pay Visa Gift Card will be available for purchase at select retail locations beginning summer 2025. Issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, the card is licensed by Visa U.S.A., Inc., and carries no post-purchase fees or ATM access.
Visa’s expansive acceptance network ensures that the gift card can be used broadly across both in-store and online environments.
BHN head of global commerce Brett Narlinger said, “Our research has shown that consumers continue to demand simpler yet more secure checkout experiences, which is why it comes as no surprise that shoppers are increasingly embracing contactless payment options in face-to-face transactions.”
He continued, “Visa data shows that for contactless transactions, tap-to-pay has been tied to more than 60% of in-person commerce transactions in the US. Our Tap to Pay Visa Gift Card allows consumers to gift and shop with confidence by meeting the demand for contactless solutions while also offering the enhanced security features that make this the most protected open-loop product on the market.”
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