Gift Cards Global Market Report 2025

Gift cards are prepaid cards provided by retailers, financial institutions, or other organizations, which can be used as a payment method. They are intended to be given as gifts or rewards, offering recipients the ability to select their preferred items.

There are several types of gift cards, universal open-loop, sports gift cards, e-gifting, restaurant closed-loop, retail closed-loop, and miscellaneous closed-loop. Universal open-loop gift cards can be used at any retailer that accepts major credit card networks, providing broad flexibility for various purchases. Additionally, gift cards are categorized by price into low ($0-200), medium ($200-400), and high (over $400) ranges, serving multiple purposes such as personal finance, marketing and promotions, hospitality and travel, education, non-profit and charity, among others. The primary users of gift cards include retail businesses and corporate entities.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sharp rise in U.S. tariffs and the ensuing trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a profound impact on the retail and wholesale sector, particularly in areas such as sourcing, inventory management, and pricing strategies. Increased duties on imported consumer goods including electronics, apparel, furniture, and packaged foods have driven up procurement costs, forcing many retailers and wholesalers to either raise prices for consumers or absorb the financial hit. Small and mid-sized businesses, which often lack pricing leverage, are especially at risk, facing tighter margins and reduced competitiveness. Supply chain disruptions and international shipping uncertainties have further strained inventory cycles. At the same time, retaliatory tariffs from overseas markets have diminished export opportunities for U.S. brands, curbing potential revenue growth. In response, many companies are pivoting to domestic and regional suppliers, bolstering supply chain resilience, and leveraging data-driven demand forecasting to manage cost fluctuations and sustain customer satisfaction.

The gift card market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides gift card market statistics, including gift card industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a gift card market share, detailed gift card market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the gift card industry. This gift card market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The gift cards market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1296.06 billion in 2024 to $1535.6 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in e-commerce, an increase in consumer disposable income, a rise in mobile payment adoption, an increase in demand for personalized gift options, and a surge in demand for contactless payments.

The gift cards market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3039.93 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of digital wallets, a rise in mobile commerce, growth in corporate rewards programs, a surge in e-gifting trends, and increasing penetration of the internet and smartphones. Major trends in the forecast period include the integration of blockchain technology, the use of artificial intelligence for personalization, an increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly options, partnerships between retailers and fintech companies, and the increasing use of social media for gift card promotions.

The forecast of 18.6% growth over the next five years reflects a slight reduction of 0.1% from the previous projection. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. While the digital nature of gift cards shields them from direct tariffs, higher prices on redeemable items due to duties may reduce the overall perceived value of gift card programs. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The expanding food service sector is expected to drive growth in the gift cards market moving forward. The food service sector includes establishments that prepare and serve meals and beverages to customers, such as restaurants, cafeterias, catering services, and food trucks. This growth is fueled by increasing consumer demand for convenient dining options, evolving preferences towards healthier and more diverse cuisines, and the ongoing trend of urbanization. Gift cards play a crucial role in the food service sector by fostering customer loyalty, attracting new patrons, improving cash flow, and promoting brand awareness. For instance, as of June 2024, U.S. retail and food services sales totaled $704.3 billion, marking a 2.3% increase compared to June 2023, according to data from the United States Census Bureau. Hence, the robust expansion of the food service sector is a significant driver for the growth of the gift cards market.

Key players in the gift cards market are increasingly focusing on innovative solutions to enhance the digital gift card experience and meet evolving consumer preferences. Customizable and animated e-gift cards are a notable example, allowing consumers to personalize their digital gift cards with custom messages, images, and dynamic visual elements, creating a more engaging and personalized gifting experience. For instance, Givex Corp., a Canada-based fintech company, introduced customizable and animated e-gift cards in October 2023. These e-gift cards enable customers to add personalized images, video messages, and themed designs, making the digital gift card delivery a memorable experience. Additionally, the incorporation of captivating animations adds an element of surprise and delight when the e-gift card arrives in the recipient's inbox, enhancing the overall gifting experience. This innovation reflects Givex's commitment to advancing technology and providing merchants with cutting-edge tools to enhance customer engagement.

In May 2024, Blackhawk Network, a U.S.-based prepaid and payment network service company, acquired Tango Card Inc. to bolster its global rewards platform. This acquisition aims to combine Tango Card's expertise in business-to-business incentives with Blackhawk's scale and industry leadership, offering customers comprehensive, global, and technologically advanced rewards and incentives solutions. Tango Card Inc., based in the U.S., specializes in e-gift and prepaid cards, aligning strategically with Blackhawk Network's goals to expand its offerings and capabilities in the rewards and incentives market.

Major companies operating in the gift cards market are Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Target Corporation, American Express, Best Buy Co. Inc., Starbucks Coffee Company, PayPal Inc., Fiserv Inc., Block Inc., Worldpay Inc., Corpay Inc., Blackhawk Network, InComm Payments, QwikCilver Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Pine Labs Pvt Ltd, Givex Corp., Paytronix Systems Inc., Plastek Card Solutions Inc., Tendercrop Farms, National Gift Card Corp, Card USA Inc., Tele-Pak Inc., Yiftee Inc., JIFITI, Village Roadshow Ltd., TransGate Solutions, Duracard Plastic Cards, Kindcard Inc.

North America was the largest region in the gift cards market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the gift cards market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the gift cards market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The gift cards market includes revenues earned by entities by providing retail gift cards, general-purpose gift cards, online retailer gift cards, service gift cards, and charity gift cards. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Gift Cards Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on gift cards market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

Reasons to Purchase

• Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 15 geographies.
• Assess the impact of key macro factors such as geopolitical conflicts, trade policies and tariffs, post-pandemic supply chain realignment, inflation and interest rate fluctuations, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis.
• Identify growth segments for investment.
• Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market.
• Understand customers based on the latest market shares.
• Benchmark performance against key competitors.
• Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis
• Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you within 2-3 working days of order along with an Excel data sheet for easy data extraction and analysis.
• All data from the report will also be delivered in an excel dashboard format.

Where is the largest and fastest growing market for gift cards ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The gift cards market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Universal Accepted Open Loop; Sports Gift Card; E-Gifting; Restaurant Closed Loop; Retail Closed Loop; Miscellaneous Closed Loop
• 2) By Price Range: Low (0-200 US$); Medium (200-400 US$); High (Above 400 US$)
• 3) By Application: Personal Finance; Marketing And Promotions; Hospitality And Travel; Education; Non-Profit And Charity; Other Applications
• 4) By End User: Retail Establishment; Corporate Institutions
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Universal Accepted Open Loop: Bank-Issued Gift Cards; Prepaid Credit Cards
• 2) By Sports Gift Card: Team Merchandise Gift Cards; Sports Event Gift Cards
• 3) By E-Gifting: Digital Gift Codes; Virtual Gift Cards
• 4) By Restaurant Closed Loop: Fast Food Gift Cards; Fine Dining Gift Cards; Coffee Shop Gift Cards
• 5) By Retail Closed Loop: Apparel Gift Cards; Electronics Gift Cards; Grocery Store Gift Cards
• 6) By Miscellaneous Closed Loop: Entertainment Gift Cards; Spa and Wellness Gift Cards; Travel Gift Cards
• Companies Mentioned: Amazon.com Inc.; Apple Inc.; Target Corporation; American Express; Best Buy Co. Inc.; Starbucks Coffee Company; PayPal Inc.; Fiserv Inc.; Block Inc.; Worldpay Inc.; Corpay Inc.; Blackhawk Network; InComm Payments; QwikCilver Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Pine Labs Pvt Ltd; Givex Corp.; Paytronix Systems Inc.; Plastek Card Solutions Inc.; Tendercrop Farms; National Gift Card Corp; Card USA Inc.; Tele-Pak Inc.; Yiftee Inc.; JIFITI; Village Roadshow Ltd.; TransGate Solutions; Duracard Plastic Cards; Kindcard Inc.
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.