Coming Soon: A New Downtown Raleigh Gift Card
Downtown Raleigh Alliance will launch the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card in November 2025, just in time for the holidays!
When launched, customers will be able to purchase digital gift cards through our online portal that can be redeemed at participating businesses in Downtown Raleigh. Businesses must be opted in to the program to accept the cards and will only be valid at the Gift Cards will be valid at any of the participating businesses in the program.
If your business is located within the boundaries of our Municipal Service District, you can opt-in to this program. Get in touch with us to learn more.
Not sure if your business is eligible? Hint: If you're listed on our website, you're in!
About the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card
Downtown Raleigh Alliance is launching this program in partnership with Yiftee, who services community based gift card programs like ours all over the country.
When customers purchase a gift card, they can use it at any of the participating businesses in Downtown Raleigh who are part of our program.
How it Works
Customers can select a value for their Downtown Raleigh Gift Card. Then they'll choose your recipient (family, friends, team members) and send via email or text message. The recipient can use that value to make purchases at participating Downtown Raleigh businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
Submit your info through this interest form. Or contact Ben Yellin, Storefront Marketing Manager for more info: benyellin@downtownraleigh.org.
Once you've opted in, we'll will send you a pre-loaded Activation Card through Yiftee, our partner for the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card. You'll enter the small dollar amount on the card in your POS to complete the sign up process.
Once that's done, we'll add your business name and link to our Downtown Raleigh Gift Card webpage and customers can start using their gift cards at your business. It's that easy!
Is there a deadline to join?
You are welcome to join anytime. However, if you'd like to be included in our Holiday Hub promotion for 2025, the priority enrollment deadline is November 1, 2025.
How will this increase my sales? And is marketing support included?
Downtown Raleigh Alliance will promote this new program far and wide as an easy way to shop local and support our small business community, bringing new customers your way through the power of our marketing campaigns, paid advertising, and media outreach.
Once you're opted in, we'll provide you with marketing tools and templates to help you promote that you are part of the program.
What’s the best way to succeed with this program?
Promote your participation visibly and consistently — signage, table tents, social posts, newsletter mentions, and more. The more customers know, the more they’ll use the card at your store.
Posting regularly on social media and including the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card in your email newsletter helps spread awareness and drive revenue to your business.
I already have a gift card program. Why should I opt in to the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card program?
Great! Please keep selling your own gift cards! The Downtown Raleigh Gift Card isn't meant to replace your own branded gift card options.
Being part of our program can bring additional business to you through the new customers who find you through our website and through the advertising and marketing promotions we'll run throughout the year.
If your business only offers physical gift cards, we're offering an easy way for you to provide a digital gift card for those customers who need a last minute gift or e-card option to purchase online.
And our digital Downtown Raleigh Gift Card is compatible with digital wallets and can be redeemed online, too!
The Downtown Raleigh Gift Card is also a great option for buyers who are looking for an easy way to bulk purchase gift cards for their clients or employees. You’ll get your share of those funds when recipients redeem at your store.
The combination of our general marketing about the program and your in-store marketing to advertise your participation in the program will drive more redemptions and boost your revenue!
Is there a contract or commitment?
By opting in, you agree to the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card Community Card Merchant Agreement. There's no commitment other than agreeing to redeem our Downtown Raleigh Gift Cards when customers bring them in. You can leave the program at any time by request.
How are payments processed?
Redemption works via Mastercard. Customers or your staff can process the card via Tap-to-Pay or by entering card info manually, like a phone order. No special equipment is needed. You’ll receive payment in your regular Mastercard settlement.
Can the card be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted?
No. The gift cards only work at participating businesses that have run the Activation Card to be officially enrolled in the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card program.
Does DRA or Yiftee take a cut when a customer redeems a Downtown Raleigh Gift Card?
No. Your business is paid the full transaction value, minus your usual credit card processing fee.
Is tech support available?
Yes. Our Gift Card partner, Yiftee’s support team is available during business hours, with an average response time of 17 minutes. And we're here to help, too.
How do I train my staff?
We'll provide a one-pager on how to redeem the card. Post it near your register so staff can handle declines and other situations with ease.
What if a purchase exceeds the card value?
Perform a split tender transaction: run the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card for its balance, then use another payment method for the rest. Balances update live in the Yiftee app and on digital cards, but not in a Mobile Wallet. For printed cards, scan the QR code to check the balance.
What if the card is declined?
Declines occur if the charge exceeds the card balance, info is entered incorrectly, or your POS setup changed. Retry the correct amount. If you switched systems, you may need a new Activation Card to re-register.
How do I check the balance? Balance is shown on the live digital card online or in their Yiftee Wallet. If they have a printed card they can scan the QR code to get the live digital card, or they can enter the 16-digit card number here.
Can customers leave a tip?
Tips must be pre-authorized with the total. Some POS tablets do this automatically. You can’t settle for more than what was authorized by the credit card network.
Can cards carry a balance and be reused?
Yes. The card can be used repeatedly at participating businesses until the balance runs out.
Can I issue refunds to the card?
Yes. Refunds can be applied to valid (unexpired) cards just like with any credit card.
Can I pass credit card fees to customers?
Yes, if fees are pre-authorized and the total charge (including fees) is under the card balance.
Is there a fee to buy a Downtown Raleigh Gift Card?
Buyers pay $1 + 5% of the card value. Businesses get the full card value. Merchants are paid the full amount minus normal credit card fees.