Irish multi-brand digital gift card launched in Cork

A NEW multi-brand digital gift card, OptionsCard, has been launched in Cork bringing a no-fees alternative to consumers and employers who want to reward their staff.

With a no fees policy and always visible live balance in the consumer’s mobile wallet, the new OptionsCard can be redeemed for more than 60 premium digital gift cards from brands such as Brown Thomas, Ikea and Ticketmaster.

According to the iReach consumer sentiment survey of more than 1,000 adults nationwide commissioned by OptionsCard, 80% of consumers believe it is unfair to charge fees on gift cards. 46% of consumers have lost funds to gift card fees.

The survey also revealed that 62% of consumers see a gift card as a special treat, preferring to spend it on something that they would not normally buy, such as a premium product or experience.

Almost four in 10 (37%) would share their last gift card value of €20 with a family member and 31% would share the last €20 on their gift card with their partner. OptionsCard allows people to easily share or re-gift part of their gift card.

Seven in 10 (71%) claim that when giving a gift card to someone, they worry that there may be an administration or non-use fee applied to their gift.

A majority of respondents (86%) claim that charging a monthly administration fee on the unused balance of a gift card after 12 months or a period of inactivity, is unfair.

OptionsCard holders will have access to exclusive special offers and promotions from retail brand partners.

The market for gift cards in Ireland is expanding rapidly as a result of the small benefit tax exemption enabling employers to give all employees up to €1,000 per annum, free from taxes to both the employer and employee.

OptionsCard.ie is owned and operated by Ovation Incentives Ireland Ltd and is a 100% Irish owned business.

The company was set up as an independent entity to specifically serve the Irish market by Jonathan Grey, founder of UK-based Ovation Ltd, which has managed multi-award winning gift card programmes for its international corporate clients for over 22 years.

More information can be found at www.OptionsCard.ie and www.ovationincentives.com.