It may feel early, but August is the perfect time to start planning your holiday recognition strategy.

The best employee holiday rewards are those they actually look forward to receiving, that they are simple to administer, and that create lasting impressions. Company-branded Holiday VISA® Cards deliver all of these benefits while strengthening your brand in the process.

Why Employees Prefer Visa gift Cards

Employees consistently rank gift cards as one of their most desired rewards. In fact, the National Retail Federation reported that shoppers planned to spend $28.6 billion on gift cards during the 2024 holiday season, with bank-issued options like Visa among the top categories. Research also shows that 41% of employees prefer prepaid or gift cards as rewards, even though only 20% say they currently receive them. This gap creates an opportunity for employers to align with what their people truly want.

The appeal goes beyond preference. Prepaid cards are also proven to be among the most effective rewards for encouraging loyalty and retention, according to the Incentive Research Foundation. With both physical and digital formats available, companies can offer flexibility and instant gratification, making these cards an easy choice for employees and HR teams alike.

Why the Branding Matters

While any gift card has value, adding your company’s brand takes the experience to the next level. A branded VISA® Card keeps your logo and message front and center each time the card is used. Employees are more likely to remember what they purchased with the card and associate that positive experience with your company.

Custom branding also creates a sense of personalization without limiting choice. Whether the card is physical or digital, your company can design the look, include a holiday message, and even tie the reward into a themed recognition campaign. That combination of flexibility and personalization makes branded cards both memorable and meaningful.

Why Group O is the Right Partner

Delivering branded VISA® Cards is easy with the right partner. Group O can handle everything from simple card fulfillment to complete end-to-end program management, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Here is a breakdown of how we can help:

Our Program Management team helps you set the rules, manage budgets, and stay on schedule – you will have your own Customer Success Manager to guide you through the process. Through ourIncentive Platform - O-vations™, managers and HR leaders can easily order, fund, and distribute cards, with clear approval processes built in. Custom-built Integrations can work with HR and CRM systems that allow cards to be issued automatically, reducing manual work. To support your employees directly, our Customer Care agents handle questions about activation, balances, and replacements. Finally, our Reports & Analytics tools give you visibility into distribution and engagement so you can measure success and optimize for the future.

Why Planning Now Makes Sense

Holiday programs take a time to design, approve, and launch. Starting in August gives you time to create branded artwork, set up your ordering portal, and test the process before rolling out to employees. With a clear plan in place, you can rest easy knowing cards will arrive on time and your people will feel recognized during the holiday season.[CW1] 

Best Practices for Success

When planning your holiday rewards, consider blending physical and digital formats so employees can choose the option that fits them best. Personalize the experience by adding your company logo, a holiday design, and a note from leadership. Reloadable cards can be used for ongoing recognition, while one-time cards are perfect for seasonal gifting. Be sure to communicate protections, such as the five-year minimum validity, and track activation and usage to evaluate results.

Set Your Plan in Motion

Ready to make branded Holiday VISA® Cards part of your holiday recognition program? Group O can design, issue, and support your program from start to finish. Connect with us today to get started.