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Blackhawk Network Brings More Secure, Contactless Innovations to Physical Gift Cards with New Tap to Pay Visa® Gift Card

By: via Business Wire

Available nationwide in summer 2025, new Tap to Pay gift cards combine enhanced security with a simple checkout experience and seamless mobile wallet integration

Global branded payments provider, Blackhawk Network (BHN) is bringing more secure contactless innovations to physical gift cards with the new Tap to Pay Visa Gift Card. Sold in tamper-evident packaging without any human-readable data elements, like an account number, CVV or mag stripe on the card, the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands can be significantly minimized. Consumers can access funds by simply using the card’s tap-to-pay capability at any contactless-enabled terminal, or by adding the card to a mobile wallet using the MyCardWallet app. The Tap to Pay Visa Gift Card will be available for purchase at select locations beginning in summer 2025.

“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,” said Brett Narlinger, head of global commerce at BHN. “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.”

With more than 150 million merchant locations worldwide, Visa’s extensive network ensures consumers can use Tap to Pay Visa Gift Cards anywhere contactless Visa payments are accepted. To use the funds via the MyCardWallet app, users simply tap the gift card to their mobile device to launch the app and add the card for tap-to-pay in-store or online. Other key features and benefits of the MyCardWallet app include options to:

  • Quickly and easily check the card balance and transaction history in addition to other servicing features within the app
  • Request a unique or dedicated account number, CVV and expiration date exclusively to make purchases with eCommerce merchants that do not accept Apple, Google or Samsung Pay
  • Further secure your account with the added protection of Apple and Google ID authentication

Using BHN’s proprietary technology, Tap to Pay Visa Gift Cards are the latest advancement in its BHN Protect™ fraud prevention program. The company has leveraged over 20 years of gift card experience to curate a suite of advanced fraud prevention tactics and technologies. Its solutions proactively mitigate gift card fraud in-store and online, all while securing hundreds of millions of transactions per year.

The Tap to Pay Visa Gift Cards will be available for use everywhere contactless Visa Debit Cards are accepted, respectively, including online. The Tap to Pay Visa Gift Cards are issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. No fees after purchase. No cash or ATM access. See packaging for terms and conditions.

About Blackhawk Network (BHN)

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, eGifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at BHN.com.

About Pathward®

Pathward®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASH). Pathward is a U.S.-based financial empowerment company driven by its purpose to power financial inclusion. Pathward strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity across our Banking as a Service and Commercial Finance business lines. The strategic business lines provide end-to-end support to individuals and businesses. Learn more at Pathward.com.

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