Bitcoin Forum

If I make a start up company for bitcoin gift cards, do you guys think there is enough interest for it?

I have a friend working on a nice design for the card, probably will include multiple designs to fit all customer's occasions (x-mas, birthday, daily gift, promo event, etc.), and I'm working on the technical part to make it require absolutely no trust between us (the company) and the buyers. It should be a nice way to give a gift to your family and friend, regardless if they're still getting into crypto, or already are working with it.

I do have some nice use cases that I can use for marketing later, but I'm a bit concerned about the start point.

Therefore, I'm asking you all guys, if there is such a thing (for BTC or whatever other crypto currency), would you guys be interested in buying/using it? and why?

Thanks in advance for you all.

--Edit:
Here are some questions that we'd like you to answer in order to help us better shape the service:
1- Do you prefer a preset amount for each card? or would you like to charge it up to your liking?
2- Would you prefer a complete online order (even if it costs you slight privacy? specially when paying non-crypto like PP) or would you prefer to complete the deal at a shop with cash in hand and no personal info required?
3- If you answered 2 with completing at a shop, would you consider being a local distributor? why? and what would you expect in return?
4- Would you plan on buying larger quantities? continuous supply? or you just buy couple cards on special occasions and forget the service for the rest of the year? as this can affect the way to get local distributor.
5- Would you trust me/us/company to have the private keys in order to make things a bit easier at your end? or would you prefer spending extra couple minutes at your end to complete the deal without me/us/company having any way of touching the money in the card? note that this choice will affect the ability to recover the funds in case the card is lost, at the expense of storing some of your personal info, so this isn't for everyone.
6- Do you have expected shape/size/dimensions for the card? it might end up a bit larger than normal cards, but will make sure the space is well used.
7- What special occasions would you like to have the cards for? I'm not that cheerful person who remembers all occasions, the ones I have in mind right now are birthdays, x-mas and new year, not sure if you'd give bitcoin in valentine (there are more suitable coins for that Wink Wink)

Yes, I think it would be a very good idea because it could be used offline without the need of Internet connection, not only to make gift, but I think even to buy stuff offline.
I think you should hide its private key, like scratch off tickets of lotteries and similars. Then, if someone wanna claim the amount of cryptocoins, it will be enough to scrape it and uncover the key.

I recently gifted some ether to my relatives in Christmas. I just printed a few paper wallets, transferred some ether and gave them. If you make a product with a nice design and more targeted to seasonal gifts I think you can succeed.

Now, be aware that security is a big issue here, so the process to produce these items must ensure that the private keys are not compromised at any moment. That can make the whole thing a bit more complex, but I encourage you to go ahead with the project!

Paycoinly already has this https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2844702.0

...I'm not sure what you mean OP. If you take Bitcoin and put the private key on a magnetic strip, where are you supposed to be able to spend that? Or is this meant to use the lightning network once it's fully functional and ready to go? I'm all for a Bitcoin pre-paid debit card dealio, but it's harder to do than it sounds.

I think I will buy few :)

Current design goes with scratch off to reveal the private key, however I'm trying to think of something less traditional for that.


Paper wallets are the traditional way, all I'll be doing is providing some fancy design to make the gift look better.
I'm working on solving the security issue currently since I don't want to lose customers on first sight, probably will need to write custom software to obtain the wallet keys then import them to another wallet.


They build a whole crypto currency for that reason, I haven't looked much into details but I found few key differences: they have set values for gift cards, while mine have custom values (you decide); they store value in fiat, while mine stores it in whatever crypto you used; they have an external system running for it which can have its own problems, while mine requires nothing extra (other than the reader properly).


You have a nice point there. My point here (according to my current vision) is that I'm giving you a nice design to present it (and some other marketing stuff I'm working on), so instead of asking them for their address (then they'll know what you're up to), or creating an address and giving it to them (then they'll have to immediately move the funds) you buy a nice card with nice design and the value you wish, and give it to them with a smile on the face.

There's another similar project (to an extent) that is trying to achieve this (etcetera (https://www.etcetera.ltd/)). Regardless of that, it will be nice to have some alternatives as well (like your project).

It depends on how "easy" the whole process is (for buying it). If it saves me the hassle to go through an exchange (in order to buy small amounts of BTCitcoin), just so I could send it to someone as a gift and for normal usage, then "YES".

Yeah, it is a good idea to make bitcoin gift cards. If you want to do it then it is good opportunity for you, and now people are buying and selling different things from bitcoin then why not you can do it. I always courage you and now in this forum wise, you can do publicity of your bitcoin gift cards.

Correct, i think many bitcoin users will be interested with this kind of idea, you should need to list all the stores accepting bitcoin right now all over the world to used your card spending with that store like here in our country most of the stores accepting bitcoin is cafe and lodge.

Can you share here the designs of the gift cards.

I would be interested in buying a bitcoin gift card if the rates are similar to most bitcoin exchanges and also it's a good way of giving someone bitcoins instead of sending them to their address. One time I bought a bitcoin gift card before from this website (https://prepaidbitcoin.ph/) but the rates were so expensive compared to my local exchanges where buy rates are cheaper by 30%.

If you wish to do a good job then you need to offer bitcoin and other altcoins gift cards. I would be interested in buying such cards like presents for some close people I know, in that case I would like more expensive gift cards, and some cheap ones for people I know and I wish to give them a ticket for this crypto world.
Idea is great and I think there was similar ideas in the past. Every start is hard but if you are dedicated maybe you can do something more and start some good business. I will follow this topic and if you start with crypto gift cards I will be one of your first customers. Good luck my friend, if I don't see your start feel free to PM me.

I'll take a look at that project when I'm back home.

At the start it might be a bit annoying till I establish some flow (and hopefully a company and sell at local shops), the initial idea was that you pay the card fee and the charge amount in crypto, but since you've raised such concern of exchange hassle, I'll work on a solution to accept the most common (non crypto) payments as well.


Thanks for the encouragement :D


The idea of listing all stores accepting bitcoin is very nice, it'll allow people to know where they can use their coins at.


As I said above, it wasn't in my thoughts to accept non-crypto payments, but with this feature being requested I'll make sure to give it a deep view to ensure customer satisfaction, so rest assured.


I'll be working on a generalized solution that supports all crypto currencies, it actually shouldn't be much different than BTC implementation, will probably do few DOGE cards for the lol (along with testing and ads).
Thanks for the encouragement, I'm contacting few friends to help me get started, hopefully we get stuff managed (mostly worried about the legals, and initial production amounts).


Sorry if I missed any question/concern that anyone posted, I'm a bit sleepy :-[


Few new questions for you guys to help me model the service:
1- Do you prefer a preset amount for each card? or would you like to charge it up to your liking?
2- Would you prefer a complete online order (even if it costs you slight privacy? specially when paying non-crypto like PP) or would you prefer to complete the deal at a shop with cash in hand and no personal info required?
3- If you answered 2 with completing at a shop, would you consider being a local distributor? why? and what would you expect in return?
4- Would you plan on buying larger quantities? continuous supply? or you just buy couple cards on special occasions and forget the service for the rest of the year? as this can affect the way to get local distributor.
5- Would you trust me/us/company to have the private keys in order to make things a bit easier at your end? or would you prefer spending extra couple minutes at your end to complete the deal without me/us/company having any way of touching the money in the card? note that this choice will affect the ability to recover the funds in case the card is lost, at the expense of storing some of your personal info, so this isn't for everyone.
6- Do you have expected shape/size/dimensions for the card? it might end up a bit larger than normal cards, but will make sure the space is well used.

Preset amount (although there will be the issue of "price fluctuations" since the gift card would be pre-made [for a shop]).

At a shop.

Honestly "NO". BTCitcoin isn't that known on where I am and it will take a long time before I'll be able to sell everything (location is vital for this, especially when ROI is at stake).

Few cards for special occasions and whenever the need arises (small amounts for personal use).

If it's just a small amount (something that I would give as a gift to someone), then the 1st option would be fine but if it's for larger amounts or for my own personal usage, then I'll go with the 2nd option.
Take note: Everyone behind the company should be well known or somehow get verified.

If it fits a normal wallet, that would be nice.

It’s a great marketing strategy towards cryptocurrency and if this idea be implemented soon, I have one specific suggestion. Start making a field survey that is concentrated in your area that has crypto enthusiast that can try this product. If this be planned and executed securely I don’t think the community won’t support it but the problem would be the competition in time this goes viral. So take all those advice as a guide but always do what you thing would work.

I see... you're pretty on point when it comes to pre-made cards, price can change way too much and the card would lose or sky rocket... it'll take me couple days to think out a solution.

Now that can be a hard thing to solve, finding shops (or normal users) that are willing to be sell points for the cards, specially at the start. Guess I'll have to look into areas with high crypto users to start with.

So you'll be buying like 5~10 cards a year? if you'd estimate, how many other users in your area will do the same?

How would you define small amount ? anything less than 10$? 20$? 50$? 100$? or???
I think it's possible to implement both solutions. Also, how would you define a well-known or verified people? I can put up my linkedIn, and contact info if necessary, but since I'm just your everyday Joe, there won't be any person who knows my name.

Would you consider placing it in your iphone cover maybe ;D it'll be a bit hard to put everything in small size card and leave a space for the design, will have to manage to do it somehow.

Well, if I do a field survey in my area, I'll just quit crypto, no one here uses it, and the mind set of people will take ages to change (they don't trust online money at all). I'm more targeting people around the globe, and willing to partner with local distributors to reduce shipping fees.
As you said, time is really essential in this, I'm pretty sure many potential competitors are thinking and planning right now, but taking the initiative is risky that's why most people are staying low, the first one to take risk -if he was successful- tons of competitors will show up immediately.

Good idea!
But the whole market is bearing now and the volatility is too high!
It's too hard to control you risk!
And the regulation from the govs is more strict and strict,that makes
it more difficult to make profit!
Anyway,just do it!

When this project launch? I think many users will be interested with this gift card, i think much better if that gift card would be available for multiple coin Since many users are love to spend other coin like ethereum.

Agree with this, it will helps to all gift card users where they spend that card and also we can used crypto currency in offline and online transaction.

This is unique hoping this idea will be spread out all over the world it would helps many stores to accept crypto currency and transact online and offline. This is also one of the big help to promote and advertise bitcoin to many people in yhe world, many people will be benefited by this idea.

The idea is good. I'll just add a little more info here ,more for bitcoin notes, not cards but still informative>
Here is some similar idea > http://www.bitnotes.org/
There are already a banknotes with chip on in. Here is the article > https://hackernoon.com/these-smart-banknotes-could-bring-crypto-to-the-masses-4be57bcca1c7
NOTE: The links are just for information, I do not promote anything!

We're working out something for the market volatility as it's one of the main concerns since day 1.
As for the govs, currently we don't have laws about it where I live, and I'm staying on low profile. The only concern would be on the consumer side if he's paying with PP/Credit or whatever other system as they might get aggressive sometimes.


I'm discussing it with few people to get things started, but we don't have a launch date ready yet, soon as we have one I'll make sure to announce it.
It's a bit hard to start with multiple coins at the same time, and pretty risky, so once we get things rolling on bitcoin, implementing other cryptos will be easy and smooth.

I'm not sure what you expect on offline transaction, so would you mind explaining it more?


Thanks for the interesting links, it's always good to see what others have reached.


New question for you guys:
*What special occasions would you like to have the cards for? I'm not that cheerful person who remembers all occasions, the ones I have in mind right now are birthdays, x-mas and new year, not sure if you'd give bitcoin in valentine (there are more suitable coins for that ;) ;))

Yes, 5 - 10 in a year. I guess less than 5 other users, since BTCitcoin isn't that known here.

This is something that differs from country to country but based on where I am, anything less than $50 should fall on that category.

Further steps beyond those would be needed so someone can verify if you or your company are real or not. A company address that others would be able to verify, can be a good start as well.

Not sure how much what I'm about to say adds to the cost but maybe have it as two to three page cards (like how brochures are, just in smaller sizes).

For the beta phase, I don't think there's enough time for company registration (things here take ages), but I'll see what I can do.
And your suggestion just gave me an idea, I'll see what I can do for it.

I think it could be really cool as a gift.
People are searching for goods/gifts for their crypto lovers friends, and sometimes they find them-self buying a worthless shirt( that usually their friends won't wear because they don't want people to ask them a lot of questions)/ paper wallet that you can't really verify that is cold wallet and the one who printed it doesn't really saved the private key.
A bitcoin gift card could also be nice for people who heard and wanted to buy bitcoins, but never found the time for that.

If you want to develop a cryptos gift card, then it must be online gift card instead of offline. At present, everyone uses the voucher or gift card through online, not the offline form of leaflets as before. And if you make a gift card for cryptos, it's an e-wallet as nature, and I do not think it will be easy for the developers to develop this product.

Well more of memevers in bitcoin some are recieving bitcoin gift, i think more ,embers are interst of this bitcoin gift because i think its a good from us and its very nice to all of us by joining bitcoin so if i recieve the gift of bitcoin i dont know what is this but i think its nice and good

I don’t really know if there are a lot of people that are interested in buying gift cards in this forum. Even if I wanted to buy a gift card, it would be Amazon gift cards and not in large quantities, but just for the amount of things I planned to buy with it. I’m not the type that will buy gift cards and store them, please I don’t sell cards. One thing about people in this forum– even if you say you’re selling caterpillars for Bitcoin, they will all say they are interested, but when you start, they might just call you scam. Unless the best thing you will do is to promote the business on social medias.

This is an interesting idea, I think that in 2019 similar ideas will already be implemented. This is quite convenient, you can give a person a bitcoin-check, and he will used it, when he wants

What does this bring in terms of new functionality? Can't people just gift paper wallets on a nice card to another bitcoin enthusiast? I'm not discrediting your idea, but I think it's the major competitor you'll have if you go down this route. I don't think the idea is bad at all.

1) Definitely charge it up to liking.
2) If it's a gift to another crypto user, I'm sure that anonymity would be very useful. I think there can be a better way to keep anonymity rather than a shop, but I'm not too sure. Maybe some from of ATM type machine?
3) N/A
4) I'm sure I would much rather do special occasions, like the birthday of a tech enthusiast maybe.
5) That's where it gets a little icky. I think a lot of crypto users would be split on this point. Most people who use bitcoin avidly would want anonymity, that's for sure. For others, I don't think they would care much.
6) Normal gift card size / ID card size. You could do a couple of cooler designed cards like the bitcoin logo (BTC)
7) Probably birthdays and national holidays as you said. Maybe if I need to pay for something with complete anonymity.

I think almost everything connected to cryptos has a chance to become popular. I like the idea, I would purchase some gift cards, because as for me there couldn't be better gift, than Bitcoin.
1) I think it's alright if they'd be charged, if there is a big variety of amounts.
2) Purchasing BTC gift card in shop would be super cool, because personally I would slightly trust online crypto shop. But then you need to figure something to make it worldwide.
3) Yes, because I like this idea and I would do anything to make cryptocurrencies more popular. Some percentage of a bargain, or fixed payment per week/month.
4) I would buy couple cards and see how it goes, and if it's on demand - then bigger quantities.
5) No, even though there's a risk, I wouldn't give my private key to anyone.
6) Any credit or gift card size would be ok, a bit larger size is not an issue though.
7) Birthdays, New Year, x-mas, Women's Day, wedding gift, work corporate party gift, it actually can be used on any occasions, if not as a main gift, then at least as an icing on the cake.
Good luck with your project!

Both online and offline versions will be available.


Bitcoin-check... now that would be a funny thing to have, I mean writing a check and handing it to someone is like signing a transaction without broadcasting it to the network. But it certainly shouldn't work as todays checks since it means we're going back to centralized system.


For now, I don't bring new functionality, I just save you the time, effort and money of making a nice design, exchanging BTC and printing it out neatly.
Answer 2: if you're paying in USD then it's a bit hard to stay anonymous online, that's why I suggested a shop, but if you're paying in crypto then it's easier to place the order.
Answer 5: I'm providing both options for both your every day Joe, and the advanced user


Thanks for your answers, just want to let you note regarding answer 5, what I mean is to trust us with the keys required to get the card money not your personal keys.

Just create a polling section whether people are interested to go for a crypto gift card or not. This will let you understand the necessity of the users. Later upon the results obtained move forward with the plan or plan something else which is more effective for the growing community. I feel gift cards to be an old thing which needs to be replaced with something really impressive, easy to use and interesting.

I've tried adding a poll, but can't seem to do it :/


I wouldn't mind making it a seasonal project, but ideally I'd like it to be running all time, that's why I've thought of birthday design.
As for the anonymity part, I'm working on it all the time, I've nearly nailed it but it will add some extra steps in the process. Both online and offline payments would be implemented (just not at start) along with multiple payment options.

It is an interesting and funny idea. I would love to have such a gift card for my birthday or to give it to my friends :)

Yep, setting up a poll in the forum will be the best way to get people’s opinion and know exactly what the people want. Those that don’t see what they need can then comment exactly what kind of service they prefer. By the way, I have a question.

I thought that gift cards are being given by Amazon or similar sites like eBay? So this gift card that is being talked about, will it allow people to purchase on Amazon and other online shops, including offline?

Yes, I think it would be a very good idea.

It's a great opportunity for you, and now people are buying and selling different things from bitcoin.

This gift card stores the value in bitcoin, you can use them after that to buy things at any place that accepts bitcoin.



I've never really thought such small project could have such impact.

Many shops sell giftcards which are of course empty until the retail adds the amount to the card (activates it) . I think it makes sense for the retailer to activate the card and add the balance requested from the till. The card would be available in a similar way to most cards i.e. 0.01 BTC (or LTC) 0.02, 0.0.5, 0.1 , not so sure for anything bigger from a gift card perspective. To provide a selection of coins would be great BTC, LTC, Ripple and perhaps a privacy coin in there too . I think this would make great birthday and wedding gifts.

The idea, but its essence is still a coin:)

Yeah new idea is always welcome. We need to do something for the to reach more people you aren't that kind of things but could a situation the competition is very tough we need to make alternative things for doing something better than others so it is one of the kind I always will come.

Quite interested but current BTC are very few countries accepted as payment services

in my opinion do not need to accept bitcoin gift cards.

Legally accepted means expect Japan none of the government did not have the legal notice to say bitcoin is being legal there. So for payment service also you do not need to worry about the acceptance and all. None of the government or anyone cannot have take the control over bitcoin.

I see the investors really do not want the any regulation to stop them that is why people are taking concern to paying taxation and many things while they are involved in trading and all mate.

That's great and I'm sure there will be a lot of people who know if it's a Bitcoin gift card. With its tremendous value, Bitcoin's appeal has generated tremendous interest around the world and is a condition for bitcoin to grow steadily.