New gift cards aim to support small and mid-sized businesses; first card of the series has launched in Pittsburgh

As retail and restaurant recovery continues across the U.S., a new gift card offering is helping small and mid-sized businesses reach more consumers in their own communities. Today, global branded payments company Blackhawk Network announced its “Best City” gift card series supporting a variety of small and mid-sized businesses in local communities. With the Best City Card, local businesses in participating regions can be among a curated group of retailers and restaurants within their city to accept the card as a form of payment.

“Blackhawk has long been a leading innovator in the industry, developing gift card, eGift and digital payment solutions that drive sales and engage consumers,” said Christi Durant, VP, Sales at Blackhawk Network. “We are proud to introduce our newest suite of multi-store gift cards to support small and mid-sized businesses across the country. For merchants interested in participating, sign up is simple and free. It’s a great way to attract new consumers with a cost-effective marketing channel.”

The opportunity to give one gift card that the recipient can use in a variety of places he or she enjoys gives the gift an added value of choice, can relieve the pressure of finding the perfect gift and can increase the likelihood of the recipient redeeming the gift card.

The first card of the Best City series debuted in Pittsburgh at over 180 Giant Eagle, Market District, and GetGo locations in the area, with plans to expand to Cleveland, Columbus and other markets. The value of each Best City card is customizable, ranging from $20 to $500. Consumers can choose how and when to use their Best City card across participating brands in their region found at BestCityCard.com.

The Best City card joins Blackhawk’s unique suite of multi-store gift card products including Choice cards, Giving Good™ cards and Spafinder^®. Each of Blackhawk’s multi-store cards allows for a more personal and giftable experience by including multiple, leading retailers, restaurants and entertainment options on one card that recipients can redeem at any or all of the brands featured on the card.

Best City cards are curated by Blackhawk Network, Inc. and issued by MetaBank^®, N.A., Member FDIC.

For more information, visit BestCityCard.com.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network delivers branded payment solutions through the prepaid products, technologies and network that connect brands and people. We collaborate with our partners to innovate, translating market trends in branded payments to increase reach, loyalty and revenue. We reliably execute security-minded solutions worldwide. Join us as we shape the future of global branded payments. Learn more at blackhawknetwork.com.

About MetaBank^®, N.A.

MetaBank^®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Meta Financial Group, Inc.^® (Nasdaq: CASH), a South Dakota-based financial holding company. At MetaBank, our mission is Financial Inclusion for All^®. We strive to remove barriers to financial access and promote economic mobility by working with third parties to provide responsible, secure, high quality financial products that contribute to the social and economic benefit of communities at the core of the real economy. MetaBank works to increase financial availability, choice, and opportunity for all.

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