Prepaid Cards 101: A Marketing Guide for use in Loyalty and Incentive Programs

Prepaid cards are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses looking to implement loyalty and incentive programs. These cards offer a variety of options, from general-purpose reloadable cards to closed-loop, virtual and single-use cards. They work by allowing customers to load a specific amount of funds onto the card before use and can be easily tracked, measured and customized. However, there are also some risks associated with their use, including potential fraud, limited acceptance and fees, as well as limited consumer protections. In this overview, we will explore the different types of prepaid cards available, how they work, the benefits and risks associated with their use in loyalty and incentive programs.

A. What types of prepaid cards are available?

There are several types of prepaid cards available for use in loyalty and incentive programs. Some of the most common types include:
General-purpose reloadable (GPR) cards: These cards can be used anywhere that accepts the card network (such as Visa or Mastercard) and can be reloaded with funds multiple times.
Closed-loop cards: These cards can only be used at specific merchants or retailers, such as a store gift card.

Virtual cards: These cards exist only in digital form and can be used for online purchases or bill payments.

Single-use cards: These cards can only be used once and are typically used for promotions or as gift cards.

B. How do prepaid cards work?

Prepaid cards work by allowing customers to load a specific amount of funds onto the card before use. These funds can then be used to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs. The balance on the card will decrease with each transaction, and the card can be reloaded with additional funds as needed.

C. What are the benefits of using prepaid cards in loyalty and incentive programs?

Prepaid cards offer a number of benefits for businesses looking to implement a loyalty or incentive program. These benefits include:

Increased convenience for customers: Prepaid cards can be used anywhere that accepts the card network and can be reloaded with funds as needed, providing customers with a convenient way to access rewards and incentives.

Improved tracking and measurement: Prepaid cards can be easily tracked and measured, allowing businesses to monitor the success of their loyalty and incentive programs.

Increased personalization: Prepaid cards can be customized and branded, providing businesses with an opportunity to increase brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Cost-effectiveness: Prepaid cards can be a cost-effective solution for digital rewards, as they do not require printing or shipping costs.

D. What are the risks associated with using prepaid cards?

While prepaid cards offer many benefits, there are also some risks associated with their use. These risks include:

Fraud: Prepaid cards can be subject to fraud if they are lost or stolen.

Limited acceptance: Not all merchants or retailers accept prepaid cards, which could limit their use for customers.

Fees: Some prepaid cards come with fees for activation, reloading, or ATM withdrawals, which could be a disadvantage for customers.

Limited protections: Prepaid cards may not offer the same level of consumer protections as credit or debit cards.

Overall, prepaid cards can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to implement a loyalty or incentive program, but it is important to consider the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.

Contact Sales

Want more information about Ezeprepaid? We're happy to help! We provide quick-to-market prepaid and gift card solutions customized to meet your company’s needs.

"*" indicates required fields

Check out our card offerings

General Purpose vs Loyalty Prepaid Cards

Is One Better than the Other? Maybe.

Incentive programs are a powerful tool for businesses to motivate and retain customers, and prepaid reward cards can be a great way to provide rewards to participants. However, not all prepaid reward cards are created equal, and it’s important to understand the differences between general purpose and loyalty prepaid reward cards in order to choose the right type of card for your program.

General-purpose prepaid reward cards, also known as open-loop cards, can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards. They function like traditional credit or debit cards, and can be used to purchase a wide variety of goods and services. These cards are often branded with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express and can be used at any merchant that accepts those networks.

On the other hand, loyalty prepaid reward cards, also known as closed-loop cards, can only be used at specific merchants or within a specific network of merchants. These cards are usually branded with the name of the merchant or network and can only be used to make purchases at those locations. For example, a closed-loop card from a specific department store can only be used to make purchases at that store and cannot be used at other retailers.

When deciding which type of card to use for an incentive program, it’s important to consider the goals of the program and the target audience. General purpose cards offer more flexibility for participants, as they can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services. This can make them more attractive to participants, as they can use the card to buy whatever they want. However, these cards may not be as effective at driving specific behaviors, as participants can use them to make purchases at any merchant.

On the other hand, loyalty cards are more effective at driving specific behaviors, as they can only be used at specific merchants or within specific networks. This can be useful for businesses that want to encourage customers to make purchases at their store or within their network. Additionally, these cards can also be used to build brand loyalty, as customers will associate the card with the specific merchant or network. However, these cards may not be as attractive to participants, as they may not be able to use them to purchase what they want.

In conclusion, businesses should use general-purpose prepaid reward cards when they want to provide participants with more flexibility and a wide range of options to choose from. On the other hand, loyalty prepaid reward cards should be used when they want to drive specific behaviors and build brand loyalty. Ultimately, the choice between the two types of cards should be based on the goals of the program and the target audience.
All Digital Rewards is a premier provider of incentives known for its exceptional skills in creating and executing employee and loyalty programs. Equipped with a state-of-the-art platform that can handle any complexity and a team dedicated to providing support and resolving any challenges, All Digital Rewards is the ideal choice for businesses seeking to implement or enhance their incentive programs. Start your journey with All Digital Rewards by clicking here or reaching out to us at 1 866-415-7703.

Contact Sales

Want more information about Ezeprepaid? We're happy to help! We provide quick-to-market prepaid and gift card solutions customized to meet your company’s needs.

"*" indicates required fields