Corporate gifting often sits between good intentions and strict rules. Whether it’s about anti-bribery policies, procurement standards, or HR ethics, every company must make sure their rewards are both meaningful and compliant.
At first, the format; whether you use a gift card or a gift voucher, might seem like a small detail in HR, procurement, or marketing’s annual plan. But for finance and leadership, that small choice can have a big impact: it affects how expenses are recorded, how budgets are managed, and how recipients experience the reward.
Many companies don’t think twice about it. They choose gift cards because they’re familiar to consumers. But what works for retail shoppers doesn’t always fit business needs. The structure, level of control, and accounting treatment of corporate rewards are completely different from a customer purchase.
When gifting becomes part of your brand experience or employee strategy, choosing the right format isn’t just a technical decision; it’s a strategic one.
Defining the Basics: Differences Between Gift Cards and Gift Vouchers
At first glance, the two terms may sound interchangeable. But in practice, and under Indonesia’s compliance standards; they’re treated as different products.
That difference affects how well each fit for corporate use, especially in budgeting, and reporting.
|
Criteria |
Gift Card |
Gift Voucher |
|
Format |
Physical (plastic cards) or digital (e-codes, apps) |
Physical (plastic or paper cards) or digital (sent by WhatsApp/SMS) |
|
Balance Reloadability |
Depends on the issuer; some allow reloading (e.g., Timezone card), others don’t (e.g., Alfamart gift card) |
Non-reloadable, fixed value, generally one-time use |
|
Ease of Use |
Widely recognized and easy to use; issued by many retailers and brands |
Simple to use; can be easily shared or distributed digitally or in print |
|
Redemption |
Usually closed-loop, usable only at the issuing store or partners |
Often open-loop, redeemable at multiple partner stores or brands |
|
Expense Treatment |
Often treated as a prepaid liability; sits on the books until redeemed. |
Recognized as a one-off expense at issuance |
|
Control |
Balance remains active until used; offers flexibility but may risk misuse |
Fixed value and one-time use; gives clearer spending control |
How to Choose the Right Corporate Gifts; Through a Financial Lens
From a finance point of view, the key question is simple: when does the company recognize the cost?
For gift cards, the value remains a liability until the recipient redeems it. The company holds unredeemed funds on its balance sheet, creating additional reconciliation work and potential deferred expenses. Over time, this complicates reporting and budgeting; especially for large-scale programs.
Gift vouchers work differently. Since they’re one-time use and non-reloadable, the cost can usually be recorded right when they’re issued. This gives finance teams cleaner accounting, no leftover balances to manage, and fewer reconciliation tasks.
It may sound like a small technical difference, but at scale, it really matters:
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- Easier audits and financial reporting
- No dormant balances to track or write off
- Clearer and more predictable expense timing for budgets and forecasts
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Wrap up!
At the end of the day, both gift cards and gift vouchers have their place in corporate gifting. You can choose the one that best fits your company’s needs, budget, and preferences.
If your business is looking for a trusted and scalable e-voucher solution, Tada offers Tadakado gift vouchers; a flexible, easy-to-manage option for corporate gifting. They allow recipients to use their voucher balance and redeem it through our extensive reward catalog, featuring various brands and QRIS payment options.
Talk to us today to discover how Tadakado can elevate your corporate gifting strategy.
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