Why International Gift Cards Are a Game-Changer for Employee Benefits

Tango Card is a Business Reporter client.

What are international gift cards?

International gift cards are prepaid payment cards accepted across different countries all over the globe. They offer recipients an easier way to make purchases and access services without the difficulties of currency conversions or the restraints of standard gift cards.

For example, instead of giving a friend a traditional gift card, an international gift card is a creative way for them to explore different markets and products they wouldn’t normally have access to.

The benefits of international gift cards

Using international gift cards has plenty of benefits to both the sender and recipient. Here are some advantages of using international gift cards:

Convenience, flexibility, and wide acceptance

The flexibility of international gift cards stands out as one of their biggest advantages. These cards empower recipients to pick from a wide array of options. Whether their interests are in fine dining, outdoor adventures or cutting-edge technology, international gift cards allow individuals to select gift cards that match their tastes and preferences.

International gift cards also eliminate the difficulties of shipping physical gift cards to different countries, making them convenient for long-distance giving. Recipients can easily receive their gift cards via email and redeem them online. This saves time, effort, and shipping costs for the sender.

Increasing employee performance, motivation and company success

In today’s global workforce landscape, companies are expanding and hiring across the world. That said, the need for fostering a positive company culture in various locations is increasing too. One simple yet effective way to do this is by building a global rewards and incentives program.

When it comes to implementing a global rewards program, one tool that can be very impactful is international gift cards. Here are three benefits of using these cards and how they can unlock the full potential of your global rewards and incentives program:

They’re globally accepted: International prepaid cards are accepted at millions of locations worldwide, including online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores and ATMs. This global presence means employees in different locations can easily access and use their rewards and incentives.

They’re easy to send: Sending international prepaid cards to employees is simple. Cards can be easily loaded with a monetary value and distributed electronically, eliminating the need for physical distribution and reducing administrative conflicts.

They have enhanced security: International prepaid cards are equipped with security features such as chip and PIN technology, making them secure and protected against unauthorized use. This provides peace of mind to both companies and employees, knowing their rewards and incentives are safe.

With international gift cards serving as a powerful tool, they can enable companies to unlock the full potential of their global rewards initiatives while fostering employee engagement and satisfaction on a large scale.

High perceived value and customization

As one of the most convenient options for gifting and rewarding, international gift cards also have a higher perceived value than cash rewards, which makes them more effective at increasing employee motivation. In fact, 60 per cent of employees who received a gift card as a reward reported that the experience positively affected their work outcomes.

International gift cards can also be tailored to meet recipients’ specific needs and preferences. Senders can customize the gift cards per their company logos, colors or other branding, which can help increase awareness of their brand and build a sense of community among recipients.

Whether you’re using international gift cards for your global rewards program or sending gifts across borders, these gift cards offer flexibility and convenience, ensuring satisfaction for recipients worldwide.

Using digital gift cards for international gifting and rewards

Digital cards are simple to acquire and use. You can purchase digital gift cards online through an online portal. Then you select your desired funds and international gift cards, before customizing the card according to your recipient’s preferences and country of residence. 

Upon payment, the system sends a confirmation email to the purchaser, while notifying the recipient about the gift card.

The role of gift cards in sales incentives and employee rewards

A company’s culture lies in the connection it shares with its employees. International gift card incentives and global rewards can be channeled to enhance trust and staff engagement in key areas:

• ‍Compensation: Improve compensation packages with gift card rewards to affirm employee value and contribution.
• Benefits: Build better benefits packages by incorporating gift cards that empower employees with flexibility and choice.
• Recognition: Celebrate employee accomplishments or acknowledge their work and dedication with personalized gift card rewards.
• Appreciation: Express gratitude to cultivate positive morale through thoughtful gift cards.
• Loyalty: Use gift card rewards to increase employee retention and foster a cohesive and committed workforce.
• Engagement: Boost workforce engagement through personalized gift card programs, to align incentives with individual interests and preferences.
• Training: Recognize and incentivize skill development and professional growth with gift card rewards.

Beyond their role in sales incentives and employee rewards, it’s important to consider the practical aspects of international gift cards.

Practical aspects of international gift cards

It’s important to assess the user-friendliness of the international gift cards you send to recipients. Make sure it’s a simple process to check the balance of the gift card and understand the restrictions of its use. Some international gift cards can’t be redeemed in certain countries.

Redemption issues add friction and take the joy out of receiving a gift card. If your recipients have trouble accessing or redeeming their gift cards, you need to ensure that the gift card platform or distributor you’re using has accessible, quality customer service.

Lastly, the customizable options offered by gift cards can significantly enhance the recipient’s experience when receiving their gift. Make sure to review customization options before you send gift cards to make getting a gift card a much more enjoyable, personalized experience. 

Choosing the right international gift card

Making sure you’re sending the right gift to your recipient – and sending international gift cards – can be daunting, especially with so many options and denominations available. But choosing the right international gift card doesn’t have to be difficult.

Factors to consider

• Recipients’ needs: What currency should the gift card be in? Are they planning a trip soon? What are their hobbies? Answering these questions could help you find the gift card that will excite them the most.
• Applicable fees: Some gift card distributors will charge you activation or shipping fees depending on the gift cards and countries you’re purchasing them in. Review your distributor’s terms and conditions to determine if it’s the right fit.
• Card features: Review the countries where the international gift cards can be used and if there are any options to customize the card before you send it.

Prioritizing these factors is essential for maximizing international gift card effectiveness and ensuring recipients can fully enjoy their benefits across borders.

See how Tango Card’s international gift card solutions can make an impact.

This article originally appeared in Business Reporter.

Header image credit: iStock-1290272467