Ordering corporate gift cards for the first time can seem more complicated than it really is. You need to decide how much to give, choose between physical and digital cards, prepare your recipient details, arrange payment and make sure the rewards are handled correctly from a tax and reporting perspective.
For Irish businesses, there is another important consideration: the Small Benefit Exemption. When the relevant Revenue rules are met, employers can provide qualifying non-cash benefits to employees without Income Tax, USC or PRSI applying to the benefit.
AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards are designed for business use and are available as either physical cards or Digital+ cards. Both are prepaid, single-load Mastercard gift cards that can be used in-store, online and abroad, subject to Mastercard acceptance and AllGo’s usage restrictions.
This guide explains how corporate gift card ordering works, what you need to prepare and what to consider before placing an order.
Key Considerations
- Corporate gift card ordering starts with choosing the card format, reward values and recipients.
- AllGo Mastercard offers both physical and Digital+ gift cards for business customers.
- Physical cards can be delivered in bulk, individually to recipients or through AllGo Mastercard’s Order Portal.
- Digital+ cards are emailed directly to recipients and can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay after activation.
- From 1 January 2025, the Small Benefit Exemption allows up to five qualifying benefits per employee, with a combined value of up to €1,500 per year.
- Employers still need to report qualifying benefits to Revenue under Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR).
- AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards are single-load and cannot be topped up or used to withdraw cash.
- Both card types have a five-year validity period.
What Is Corporate Gift Card Ordering?
Corporate gift card ordering is simply the process of a business purchasing gift cards for employees, customers or other recipients.
The main difference between buying a gift card for yourself and placing a corporate order is the amount of administration involved. A business may be ordering cards for dozens, hundreds or even thousands of people, with different recipients, values and delivery requirements.
With AllGo Mastercard, corporate orders are placed online. You provide the required recipient information using the order spreadsheet, select your cards and values, complete the required security checks and receive an invoice for payment by bank transfer.
Once payment has been received and the order has been processed, the cards are prepared for delivery. Physical cards are dispatched by courier or post depending on the delivery option selected, while Digital+ cards are emailed directly to the individual recipients.
Each card is allocated to a named recipient as part of the ordering process. This information is important because the recipient must use the relevant details when activating the card.
Why Do Businesses Use Gift Cards for Employee Rewards?
Gift cards give employees the freedom to choose how they use their reward. Instead of selecting a specific physical gift or retailer voucher, an employer can give an employee a prepaid Mastercard that can be used across a wide range of retailers.
This can make gift cards useful for occasions such as:
- Christmas and seasonal rewards
- Employee recognition
- Long-service awards
- Performance rewards
- Company milestones
- Team incentives
- New employee or project celebrations
For businesses with remote or geographically dispersed employees, digital delivery can also make distribution easier.
AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards offer both physical and Digital+ formats, so businesses can choose the option that fits the occasion and their workforce.
How Does the Small Benefit Exemption Work?
For Irish employers, the Small Benefit Exemption is an important consideration when choosing employee gift cards.
From 1 January 2025, an employer can provide an employee with up to five qualifying non-cash benefits in a year, provided the combined value does not exceed €1,500.
A single qualifying benefit can be worth up to €1,500. If a single benefit is worth more than €1,500, the full value of that benefit is subject to tax. The exemption does not simply apply to the amount above €1,500.
Unused allowance cannot be carried forward to another year. If an employee receives fewer than five qualifying benefits, the unused portion of the allowance is not transferred into the following year.
The benefit also needs to meet the other conditions of the Small Benefit Exemption. In particular, it must be a non-cash benefit and must not be convertible into cash.
AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards are designed to operate within these requirements. The cards cannot be used to withdraw cash from an ATM or transfer the balance to a bank account or services such as Revolut or PayPal.
What About Revenue Reporting?
Being tax-free does not mean the benefit does not need to be reported.
Employers must report qualifying benefits under Revenue’s Enhanced Reporting Requirements. Revenue requires the relevant benefit information to be reported in real time, on or before the date the benefit is provided to the employee.
This is an important distinction for employers. A gift card provider can provide information to support the process, but the employer remains responsible for meeting its Revenue reporting obligations.
If you are unsure how the Small Benefit Exemption applies to your business, speak to your accountant or tax adviser.
Physical or Digital+? Choosing the Right Card
One of the first decisions when placing a corporate gift card order is whether to choose a physical card or a Digital+ card.
Both AllGo Mastercard formats are prepaid, single-load Mastercard gift cards. They can both be used online after the required 3D Secure registration, and both can be used abroad where Mastercard is accepted and the transaction is permitted.
The main difference is how the recipient receives and uses the card.
Physical AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards
Physical cards are delivered as physical gift cards and are particularly suitable when you want something tangible to present to an employee.
AllGo’s standard bulk delivery option sends the cards by courier to your business location for onward distribution. Cards can also be delivered individually to recipients, or businesses can use AllGo Mastercard’s Order Portal to allow employees to arrange delivery themselves.
Physical cards cannot be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay. They are used in-store by presenting the physical card at the payment terminal. They can also be used online after the recipient has activated the card and registered for 3D Secure.
The physical card itself cannot be customised. However, AllGo offers branding and messaging options for packaging and emails.
AllGo Digital+ Gift Cards
Digital+ cards are designed for businesses that want to distribute rewards by email.
The card is emailed directly to the recipient. The recipient then redeems and activates the card using the Get My eCard app, after which it can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless spending in-store.
Digital+ cards can also be used online after 3D Secure registration.
Digital+ can be particularly useful for remote employees, distributed teams or situations where you do not want to arrange physical delivery.
Which Format Should You Choose?
A simple way to decide is to consider how you want the reward to be received.
Choose physical cards if:
- You want to hand the reward to employees personally.
- You are presenting awards at an event.
- You want a physical gift to accompany a recognition moment.
- Your team is primarily office-based.
Choose Digital+ cards if:
- Your employees work remotely.
- Your workforce is spread across different locations.
- You want to distribute rewards by email.
- You want recipients to use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
You can also use both formats for different employee groups or occasions.
How to Place a Corporate Gift Card Order
Once you have decided on the format and reward values, the ordering process is straightforward.
1. Prepare Your Recipient List
Before starting the order, make sure you have the information required for each recipient.
AllGo Mastercard requires an order spreadsheet, and each card is allocated to a named recipient. For physical cards, the recipient’s name is also associated with the activation process.
Taking time to check your spreadsheet before submitting the order can prevent delays later.
2. Place Your Order Online
AllGo Mastercard corporate orders are placed online through the AllGo Mastercard website.
You select either Physical or Digital+ cards and provide the requested order information.
3. Complete the Security Checks
AllGo Mastercard carries out client security checks as part of the ordering process.
These checks are part of the process for business customers and can affect the overall order lead time.
4. Receive and Pay the Invoice
After the relevant checks, AllGo Mastercard sends an invoice by email.
Payment is made by bank transfer using the payment details provided with the invoice. It is important to pay the correct amount into the correct IBAN because delays in payment can delay an order.
5. AllGo Mastercard Processes the Order
Once payment has been received, AllGo Mastercard processes the order and prepares the cards.
For physical orders, the cards are loaded and dispatched for delivery.
For Digital+ orders, the cards are loaded and emailed directly to the recipients.
6. Recipients Activate Their Cards
The final step is activation.
Physical card recipients register and activate their cards online. Digital+ recipients redeem and activate their cards using the Get My eCard app.
Both card types require activation before they can be used.
How Long Does a Corporate Gift Card Order Take?
It is worth planning your order around the published lead times rather than leaving it until the last minute.
For orders outside AllGo’s December Red Zone:
Physical cards
- Standard: 6 business days
- Express: 4 business days
Digital+ cards
- Standard: 4 business days
- Express: 3 business days
Business days are Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. These lead times are not guaranteed and delays can occur if security checks are not completed, an order is changed, payment is delayed or payment is made into the incorrect IBAN. Longer lead times also apply during the December Red Zone from 10 December to 24 December.
For an important company event, it makes sense to allow additional time rather than planning around the minimum lead time.
How Can Physical Cards Be Delivered?
Businesses have several options when ordering physical AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards.
Bulk Delivery
This is the standard option for many corporate orders. Cards are delivered by courier to your business location for distribution to employees.
Cards can also be grouped by manager or department, which can make internal distribution easier.
Individual Delivery
If you have employees working remotely and have their home addresses, physical cards can be sent individually.
AllGo Mastercard currently lists individual delivery at €3.50 per card, with a minimum charge of €35 for 10 cards.
Order Portal
AllGo Mastercard’s Order Portal gives employees the option to log in and arrange delivery of their physical card to an address of their choice.
The Order Portal is priced at €5.50 per card, with a minimum charge of €275 for 50 cards.
This can be useful for larger organisations where HR or payroll teams do not want to collect and manage every employee’s home address.
How Much Does Corporate Gift Card Ordering Cost?
The cost of an AllGo Mastercard depends on the total value of the order and the card format.
Current listed card charges for physical cards range from €5 per card for orders from €10 to €5,000, down to €0 per card for orders above €200,001.
Digital+ cards range from €6 per card for orders from €10 to €5,000, down to €1 per card for orders above €200,001. Express orders cost an additional €1 per card.
There are also delivery charges for physical cards depending on the delivery method.
Because pricing can change, businesses should check the current AllGo Mastercard pricing page before placing an order.
Can AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards Be Used Online and Abroad?
Yes. Both physical and Digital+ AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards can be used online after the required 3D Secure registration. They can also be used abroad at participating merchants that accept Mastercard, subject to AllGo’s country and transaction restrictions.
The word “participating” is important because a prepaid Mastercard does not mean every transaction is automatically supported.
There are certain retailers and transaction types where the cards cannot be used. These include cash withdrawals, money transfers, gambling, investing and subscriptions or recurring payments. Some individual retailers also do not accept the card.
Employees should therefore check the usage guidance if they are unsure whether a particular purchase will work.
Do AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards Expire?
Yes. AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards have a five-year validity period.
This is useful to keep in mind when communicating the reward to employees. It is also worth reminding recipients to check their balance and expiry date rather than assuming a card remains valid indefinitely.
Can AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards Be Topped Up?
No.
AllGo Physical and Digital+ Mastercard Gift Cards are single-load cards. Once the original balance has been used, the card cannot be reloaded with additional funds. A new card must be ordered when you want to provide another reward.
This is particularly relevant for businesses planning recurring employee rewards. Each new reward requires a new card.
Common Corporate Gift Card Ordering Mistakes
Ordering Too Close to an Important Date
Even with express ordering available, it is better to allow plenty of time for security checks, payment and delivery.
Christmas is particularly important because AllGo Mastercard has longer lead times during its December Red Zone.
Getting Recipient Details Wrong
Check names, email addresses and other required recipient information before submitting the order.
The recipient information is also important for activation, so errors can create unnecessary delays.
Forgetting About ERR
The Small Benefit Exemption is not simply a case of buying a qualifying gift card and forgetting about it.
Employers need to report qualifying benefits to Revenue under ERR. Make sure your payroll or finance process accounts for this.
Assuming Every Mastercard Transaction Will Work
AllGo Mastercard can be used at millions of in-store and online retailers, but there are exceptions.
Cash withdrawals, money transfers, gambling, investing and recurring payments are among the transaction types that are blocked.
Not Explaining Activation
Employees should know that activation is required before they can use their card.
For physical cards, activation takes place through the AllGo Mastercard cardholder system. For Digital+, recipients use the Get My eCard app.
It is a good idea to include the activation instructions when distributing the reward.
A Simple Corporate Gift Card Ordering Checklist
Before placing your first order, work through this checklist:
- Decide what the reward is for.
- Confirm the number of recipients.
- Decide how much each person will receive.
- Check whether the reward falls within the Small Benefit Exemption rules.
- Choose Physical or Digital+ cards.
- Prepare and check your recipient spreadsheet.
- Decide how physical cards should be delivered, if applicable.
- Allow enough time for processing and delivery.
- Complete the required security checks.
- Pay the invoice by bank transfer.
- Give employees clear activation instructions.
- Record the relevant benefit information for your Revenue reporting.
- Remind recipients about card usage restrictions and the five-year validity period.
Having this information ready before you begin makes the ordering process much easier.
Why Choose AllGo Mastercard for Corporate Rewards?
The main attraction of the AllGo Mastercard is flexibility.
Employees are not restricted to one shop or one type of product. The cards can be used in-store, online and abroad where Mastercard is accepted and the transaction is permitted.
Businesses can also choose between physical cards and Digital+ cards depending on how they want to distribute their rewards.
For employers using the Small Benefit Exemption, AllGo also provides a gift card option specifically designed around the requirements of the scheme.
The result is a corporate reward that is relatively simple to order while giving employees plenty of choice in how they use it.
Final Thoughts
Corporate gift card ordering does not have to be complicated.
The key is to get the basics right before placing your order. Decide how much you want to give, choose the right card format, check your recipient information and allow enough time for processing and delivery.
For Irish employers, the Small Benefit Exemption is another important part of the process. From 2025 onwards, qualifying employees can receive up to five non-cash benefits with a combined value of €1,500 per year, subject to the Revenue conditions. Those benefits also need to be reported under Enhanced Reporting Requirements.
AllGo Mastercard offers businesses a choice between physical and Digital+ gift cards, with different delivery options to suit office-based, remote and distributed teams.
If you are ordering corporate gift cards for the first time, the simplest approach is to start with your recipient list, decide on the reward value and work backwards from the date you want employees to receive their cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Gift Card Ordering
What is a corporate gift card?
A corporate gift card is a prepaid card purchased by a business for employees, customers or other recipients. AllGo Mastercard offers business customers physical and Digital+ prepaid Mastercard Gift Cards.
How do I order AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards for employees?
Orders are placed online through the AllGo Mastercard website. You provide the required recipient information, complete the client security checks, receive an invoice and pay by bank transfer. Once payment is received, AllGo Mastercard processes the order and delivers physical cards or emails Digital+ cards to recipients.
How much can I give an employee tax-free in Ireland?
Under the Small Benefit Exemption, an employer can provide up to five qualifying non-cash benefits per employee in a year, with a combined value of up to €1,500. A single qualifying benefit can be worth up to €1,500. If a single benefit exceeds €1,500, the full value of that benefit is taxable.
Do employers have to report tax-free gift cards to Revenue?
Yes. Qualifying benefits under the Small Benefit Exemption must be reported under Revenue’s Enhanced Reporting Requirements. The employer is responsible for making the required report.
How long do AllGo physical gift cards take to arrive?
Outside the December Red Zone, AllGo lists a standard lead time of 6 business days and an express lead time of 4 business days for physical cards. These lead times are not guaranteed and can be affected by security checks, payment delays, order changes and other factors.
How long do AllGo Digital+ cards take?
Outside the December Red Zone, AllGo lists a standard lead time of 4 business days and an express lead time of 3 business days. Once the order has been processed and payment received, the Digital+ cards are emailed to the recipients.
Can AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards be used online?
Yes. Both physical and Digital+ cards can be used online after the recipient activates the card and registers for 3D Secure.
Can AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards be used abroad?
Yes, they can be used abroad at participating merchants that accept Mastercard, subject to country and transaction restrictions.
Can employees use AllGo Mastercard at an ATM?
No. AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. They also cannot be used to transfer funds to bank accounts or services such as Revolut or PayPal.
Can AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards be topped up?
No. AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards are single-load cards and cannot be reloaded.
Which is better, a physical or Digital+ corporate gift card?
It depends on how you want to distribute the reward. Physical cards are useful for presentations and in-person recognition, while Digital+ cards are convenient for remote teams and can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay after activation.
How long are AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards valid for?
AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards have a five-year validity period.
Can I customise AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards with my company branding?
The cards themselves cannot be customised. AllGo does offer branding and messaging options for packaging and emails.
👉 Explore gift card options for your business at allgogiftcard.com
