Information Technology
Gift Card Market to Reach USD 1,897.46 Billion Globally by 2030, Driven by Digital Adoption and Corporate Gifting | Credence Research Inc.
The global gift card market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing shift toward cashless transactions and rising consumer demand for flexible gifting options. According to a report published by Credence Research titled " " In 2022, the market was valued at approximately and is projected to reach , reflecting a over the forecast period. The surging popularity of digital gift cards, particularly those integrated with e-commerce platforms, plays a pivotal role in this expansion. Additionally, businesses are leveraging gift cards as effective marketing tools to enhance customer loyalty and retention. Seasonal and holiday purchases, coupled with corporate gifting programs for employee rewards, continue to drive significant revenue growth in this sector.
North America dominates the global gift card market, attributed to its advanced digital payment infrastructure and widespread adoption of e-commerce. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth due to increasing smartphone penetration, digital payment adoption, and expanding middle-class consumer bases in countries like India and China . Innovations such as customizable and reloadable gift cards, along with blockchain-based solutions ensuring security and transparency, are creating lucrative opportunities for market players. Challenges, such as fraud and lack of awareness in emerging markets, remain but are being addressed through technological advancements and regulatory frameworks.
The increasing adoption of digital payment systems is a key driver for the gift card market. For instance, a study found that the usage of digital payments increased by nearly 30% in 2022, driven by the convenience and speed of cashless transactions. Consumers are gravitating toward cashless transactions due to their convenience, speed, and security, making digital gift cards an attractive choice. According to a survey, 75% of respondents preferred digital gift cards over physical ones because of their ease of use and instant delivery. Their compatibility with e-commerce platforms and mobile wallets has further boosted their popularity, with digital wallets accounting for 45% of all online transactions in 2023
Corporates are increasingly leveraging gift cards as part of their employee reward programs and customer loyalty initiatives. For instance, a survey revealed that 79% of employees work harder when they feel recognized, and gift card programs offer a simple, impactful way to make that recognition felt. These cards provide flexibility and personalization, making them a cost-effective way to incentivize employees and retain customers. Additionally, companies have reported a 25% increase in employee satisfaction and engagement when using gift cards as rewards. Their ease of distribution and the ability to tailor them to individual preferences make gift cards an effective tool for driving market growth.
The rapid expansion of e-commerce has significantly contributed to the growth of the gift card market. For instance, during the pandemic, digital gift card sales surged by 80% year-over-year as consumers increasingly turned to online shopping to avoid crowds. Digital gift cards, in particular, have become integral to online shopping experiences, allowing consumers to make purchases or send gifts conveniently. A survey found that 92% of respondents preferred digital gift cards for their flexibility and ease of use, further enhancing their demand. Additionally, digital gift cards have been shown to drive repeat business and foster customer loyalty through personalized experiences.
Seasonal and holiday shopping trends are major drivers of the gift card market. Consumers prefer gift cards for their flexibility and ease of use during festive seasons, boosting their demand. Retailers also capitalize on this trend through promotional campaigns, further fueling market growth.
Innovations such as blockchain-based solutions and customizable, reloadable gift cards are revolutionizing the gift card market. These advancements enhance security, transparency, and personalization, making gift cards more appealing to both consumers and businesses.
Fraud remains a significant concern for the gift card market, with cybercriminals targeting both physical and digital gift cards. Techniques such as phishing, code hacking, and unauthorized use compromise consumer trust and lead to financial losses for businesses. The lack of advanced security measures in some gift card systems exacerbates this issue, hindering market growth.
In many developing regions, limited awareness about gift card benefits and functionality restricts market penetration. Consumers in these areas often prefer traditional gifting methods, and the absence of widespread digital infrastructure further impedes adoption. This creates a significant barrier to growth for gift card providers in untapped markets.
The absence of standardized regulations for gift card issuance and usage across regions creates challenges for market players. Differences in redemption policies, expiration terms, and fees confuse consumers and diminish their willingness to adopt gift cards. These inconsistencies also deter cross-border transactions, restricting the global scalability of gift card programs.
Transaction fees associated with gift cards, particularly reloadable or prepaid variants, can discourage consumers and businesses from using them. These fees, often perceived as hidden costs, reduce the overall value of gift cards, making them less appealing compared to other gifting or payment options.
Redemption restrictions, such as limited acceptance at specific retailers or within certain timeframes, frustrate consumers and undermine their trust in gift cards. Such constraints reduce the flexibility that makes gift cards attractive, ultimately curbing their widespread adoption and market growth.
The global gift card market is segmented by material merchant type into various categories based on the type of retailer or service provider. Restaurants and coffee shops dominate this segment as popular choices for both personal and corporate gifting due to their wide appeal and usability. Department stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, and grocery stores cater to everyday consumer needs, making them a practical option for recipients. Specialized categories such as entertainments, salons/spa, book stores, and home décor stores appeal to niche markets. Gas stations gift cards provide convenience for daily commuting, while cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express gift cards offer flexibility for various purchases, further enhancing their demand.
This segment categorizes gift cards into different types based on their usability. Universal Accepted Open Loop gift cards, such as those issued by financial institutions (Visa, MasterCard), are highly versatile and widely used for a variety of transactions. Closed Loop Cards, which include restaurant closed loop, retail closed loop, and miscellaneous closed loop, are restricted to specific merchants, offering targeted usability for dining, shopping, or services. The rise of E-Gifting, driven by digital adoption, provides a convenient and instant option, appealing particularly to younger demographics and tech-savvy users.
Based on end-user segmentation, the market caters to businesses and individuals. Businesses are significant contributors, using gift cards for employee rewards, client appreciation, and promotional campaigns. On the other hand, individuals use gift cards primarily for gifting purposes on occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, making them a versatile and practical choice.
Gift cards are segmented by price range into high (above $400 ), medium ( $200 - $400 ), and low (below $200 ) categories. High-priced gift cards are predominantly used in corporate settings for high-value gifting or rewards. Medium-range gift cards are common for personal gifting and special occasions, while low-priced gift cards are popular for everyday gifting, promotions, and smaller incentives. This price range segmentation ensures accessibility across diverse consumer and corporate needs.
North America dominates the global gift card market, driven by advanced digital payment infrastructures, high consumer spending power, and widespread adoption of e-commerce.
The United States is the leading contributor in this region, with businesses heavily utilizing gift cards for employee rewards and customer loyalty programs. The rise of digital gift cards, particularly those integrated with popular e-commerce platforms and digital wallets, has further fueled market growth. Seasonal and holiday sales contribute significantly to revenue generation, making
North America a mature and robust market for gift cards.
Europe represents a significant share of the global gift card market, with countries such as the
United Kingdom , Germany , and
France leading the region. The increasing adoption of e-commerce and digital payment solutions has bolstered the demand for digital gift cards. The corporate sector also plays a pivotal role, with businesses leveraging gift cards to enhance employee engagement and customer loyalty. Additionally, cultural traditions of gifting during holidays and special occasions further drive market growth in this region.
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth in the gift card market, fueled by increasing smartphone penetration, rising disposable incomes, and rapid digitalization in countries like
China , India , and
Japan . The growing popularity of e-commerce platforms and mobile payment systems has significantly boosted the adoption of digital gift cards. Furthermore, the expanding middle-class population and their preference for flexible gifting options are driving market growth. Localized promotional campaigns by retailers and global brands also contribute to the rising popularity of gift cards in this region.
Latin America's gift card market is growing steadily, driven by urbanization and increasing adoption of digital payment systems. Countries like
Brazil and Mexico are leading the market, with retailers and e-commerce platforms promoting the use of gift cards for various occasions. The region's younger population is particularly inclined toward digital gift cards due to their convenience and integration with online shopping platforms.
The Middle East and
Africa are emerging markets for gift cards, supported by increasing urbanization and the growing use of smartphones and digital payment systems. Countries such as the UAE and
South Africa are key contributors, with rising e-commerce penetration and expanding retail sectors. Gift cards are also gaining traction as a tool for corporate rewards and promotions, although limited digital infrastructure in certain areas poses a challenge to market growth.
The global gift card market is highly competitive, with major players ranging from technology giants to specialized providers of loyalty and reward solutions. Companies are focusing on innovative product offerings, strategic collaborations, and technological advancements to maintain their market position and address growing consumer demands.
Prominent companies in the market include , ,
, , , and
These companies dominate due to their expansive retail networks, strong digital ecosystems, and widespread consumer trust. For instance, Apple and Amazon lead in digital gift cards by integrating them seamlessly with their ecosystems, enhancing user experience and driving sales. Similarly, Starbucks leverages its gift card programs to boost customer loyalty through innovative features such as reloadable cards linked to its rewards program.
Specialized gift card companies, such as , , , , and
, play a crucial role in the market by offering tailored solutions for corporate gifting, loyalty programs, and digital payment services. Companies like
and are emerging as key players in the digital gift card space, focusing on e-gifting and mobile integration to cater to tech-savvy consumers.
The shift toward digital gift cards has intensified competition, with players developing advanced platforms for seamless gifting and redemption.
and are at the forefront of this trend, offering platforms that connect retailers with consumers and enable cross-platform gift card usage.
focuses on corporate rewards and consumer engagement programs, enhancing its value proposition in the B2B segment.
Collaborations and partnerships remain key strategies for market expansion. For instance, companies like
and partner with retailers and financial service providers to offer diversified and universally accepted gift card solutions. These partnerships enable businesses to tap into new customer segments and drive market growth.
While the market presents significant opportunities through digital innovation and emerging markets, challenges such as fraud, regulatory inconsistencies, and lack of consumer awareness in certain regions persist. Companies are addressing these issues by adopting blockchain technology, enhancing security measures, and conducting awareness campaigns. With increasing consumer preference for convenience and personalization, the market is poised for robust growth driven by innovation and strategic initiatives.
is a viable intelligence and market research platform that provides quantitative B2B research to more than 2000 clients worldwide and is built on the Give principle. The company is a market research and consulting firm serving governments, non-legislative associations, non-profit organizations, and various organizations worldwide. We help our clients improve their execution in a lasting way and understand their most imperative objectives.
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