How to Order Virtual Mastercard Gift Cards in Ireland?
Virtual Mastercard gift cards are digital prepaid cards that can be used online or in-store where Mastercard is accepted. They offer a flexible gifting choice for businesses.
There are two things people everywhere crave today: flexibility and digitalisation. From banking to gifting, everything we once thought would never go online has made the leap, and virtual Mastercard gift cards are no exception.
Gifting once meant handing over cash or buying a physical voucher. Today, people want comfort and choice. That's why virtual prepaid gift cards have become the smarter way to send gifts. The numbers prove that too, with Ireland's gift card market projected to hit $1.14 billion by 2029 and digital cards driving most of this growth.
So, how do you find and order a virtual gift card online? In this article, let's look at how these cards work, things you need to look at before making the purchase, and the best place to order a virtual Mastercard gift card.
What Is A Virtual Mastercard Gift Card?
Before we get into how this works, a virtual Mastercard gift card offers two big advantages. First, it is digital, so it can be issued and sent to the recipient instantly. Second, it's powered by Mastercards, which means these cards are accepted anywhere in the world where Mastercard is accepted.
These cards work just like a physical gift card, except they are prepaid and are delivered online via email. Once the card is issued, details like card number, expiration date, and CVV are shared with the employee. The card can then be used to shop online. Some virtual cards can also be added to digital wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay to pay in-store.
Things To Check Before Buying A Virtual Mastercard Online?
Not all providers offer the same features. Here are five things you should always check before ordering a virtual gift card:
1. Reliable & Secure: Make sure that you are buying from a trusted provider. Before ordering gift cards in bulk for employees, check reviews. Also, verify that proper security measures are in place to pause the card in case of mobile hacking or theft.
2. Acceptance: Mastercard is widely accepted; certain providers may limit users to spending online or only at certain categories of stores. Check that the card is not restricted to one region, especially when ordering for remote employees.
3. Digital Wallet: Certain virtual card providers limit usage to online only, which means they cannot be added to digital wallets. Check compatibility with smart wallets before ordering, since otherwise the card cannot be used in-store.
4. Delivery Timeline: Confirm the delivery timelines and method before ordering. Will the cards be delivered instantly, or will there be delays? This will help prepare better when ordering last-minute or for a special occasion.
5. Personalisation: Gifts are meant to feel special and not one-size-fits-all. Ensure gift cards can be personalised with the recipient's name and a custom message so it does not look like a transactional gift.
Best Place To Order Virtual Mastercard Gift Cards In Ireland?
If you are looking for a trusted partner to order virtual Mastercard gift cards for employees, consider CleverCards. CleverCards is a premium solution for businesses of all sizes looking to reward employees with an efficient digital solution. Trusted by over 15000 companies, we ensure your team loves every bit of their virtual gift card. Key features of CleverCards gift cards are:
1. Secure: CleverCards is Ireland’s most trusted provider, with top ratings on Trustpilot. Our platform is fully secure, and employers can pause or manage cards instantly from the online portal in case of theft or misuse.
2. Global Acceptance: CleverCards are powered by Mastercards. Which means they can be used to spend at over 50 million+ merchants worldwide.
3. Digital Wallet Compatible: CleverCard gift cards can be added to Google Pay or Apple Pay, allowing employees to make secure contactless payments, just as easily as using a physical card.
4. Instant Delivery: Cards can be issued and delivered instantly via email. All you need to do is fund the card, add employee details, and hit send. Employees can then instantly activate and use their gift cards.
5. Customisation: Gifts should feel thoughtful, which is why you can add a personalised message to go with the email when you deliver the card.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Order Virtual Prepaid Gift Cards In Ireland?
Ordering gift cards online for staff in Ireland and the UK has never been easier. With CleverCards, you can place your order in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Visit ‘Order Now’ and create your CleverCards account.
Step 2: Select your preferred currency (EUR or GBP), choose between a small order or a bulk order, and set the quantity and value for each card.
Step 3: Add the recipients’ details, like name and email. For bulk orders, simply upload a CSV file containing all employee information.
Step 4: Choose when to send the gift cards. You can either send immediately or at a scheduled date and time.
Once the order is complete, employees will receive their digital gift cards via email, along with any personalised message you include. They can activate the card by adding it to Google Pay or Apple Pay, allowing them to spend anywhere online or in-store.
Can Virtual Cards Be Used Internationally?
Not all virtual prepaid gift cards can be used internationally, some are restricted to specific regions and may not work abroad. However, since CleverCards is powered by the Mastercard network, it can be used at over 50 million merchants around the world both online and in-store.
Are Prepaid Virtual Cards Tax-Free?
Under the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme in Ireland, virtual gift cards are considered a non-tax benefit and are tax-free up to €1,500. To be eligible for the scheme, the card must be non-redeemable in cash and must not be issued in exchange for a salary sacrifice agreement.
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