MERCHANT SERVICES AMERICA · SOLON Z.

Gift & loyalty cards

Closed-loop gift cards and loyalty basics for U.S. merchants—how programs work at a high level and how to inquire.

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Closed-loop gift

A closed-loop gift card is typically redeemable only at your business (or a defined group of your locations), unlike open-loop network cards. Merchants use gift cards to pull cash forward, encourage return visits, and simplify gifting for customers.

Program setup usually involves cardstock or digital issuance, a way to load and redeem balances, and reporting that separates gift liability from ordinary sales. Exact processors and card vendors belong in an inquiry—not invented brand partnerships on this page.

Loyalty basics

Loyalty programs track return visits or spend and reward customers with points, visits, or offers. Keep rules clear:

  • How points or visits are earned
  • What they redeem for
  • Expiration and fraud controls
  • Staff training so redemptions stay consistent

Gift and loyalty can run together or separately. Neither replaces a solid merchant account for everyday card acceptance.

How to inquire

Tell us your industry, location count, and whether you want physical cards, digital, or both. Request gift/loyalty info via the quote form. Restaurants and retailers often ask first—see industries. Security and stored-value handling themes: data security. More questions: FAQ.

Common questions

Are gift cards the same as credit card processing?
No. Gift is usually a stored-value program for your brand; card processing settles bank-network cards.

Do you print cards in-house on this site?
Card production partners, if any, are confirmed in an inquiry—not advertised as unverified claims here.

Can loyalty run without plastic cards?
Often yes—phone numbers, apps, or digital passes—depending on the program.

Is this available for one-location shops?
Many programs support single locations; fit depends on volume and tooling.

How do I start?
Request gift/loyalty info.

Start with your business needs

Tell us how you accept payments and what you want to improve. Do not email cardholder data or sensitive statements. We can discuss a secure next step if documents are needed.

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