Blackhawk Network
 | |
| Type | Gift Cards, ACH Payment Systems, Prepaid Debit and Credit Cards |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Pleasanton, California, United States of America |
| Area served | North America, Europe and Australia |
| Services | Distributor of gift cards, credit cards, and debit cards |
| Parent | Safeway Inc. |
| Website | blackhawknetwork.com |
Blackhawk Network or Blackhawk is a worldwide gift card distribution network owned by Safeway Inc. responsible for the sales and activation of prepaid gift cards, prepaid credit cards and prepaid debit cards. Blackhawk is in the process of phasing in an Automated Clearing House payment system, known as Fastforward, starting with Safeway Inc. stores with plans to extend this to other affiliates sometime in the future.
Gift Cards
Blackhawk offers gift cards for over 350 affiliates ranging from music to restaurants and sporting events. These are all free of processing fees to the consumer. Blackhawk is responsible for the distribution of gift cards to stores and for the software involved in the activation of the cards.
In October of 2011, Blackhawk acquired Cardpool, a secondary marketplace for buying and selling gift cards.[1]
Prepaid Credit and debit cards
Prepaid credit and debit cards are sold through Blackhawk. These usually come with a service or activation fee on top of the cost of the card. These cards are issued with names such as Visa and Master Card, and can be used in the same way as a regular credit card.
References
- ↑ , Blackhawk Network Buys Gift Card Marketplace Cardpool, Last accessed July 6, 2012.
| ||||||||||||||||||||
