Raise Expands to Canada with Gift Card Innovations

Date:

Share post:

Raise, a global leader in gift card innovation, has launched in Canada, marking its second major international expansion this month. The move follows its recent entry into the United Kingdom and reinforces Raise’s commitment to revolutionizing how consumers and businesses interact with gift cards, loyalty programs, and digital payments. With over 6 million users and $10 billion in transactions, Raise says it aims to make shopping more rewarding for Canadians.

Raise App Launches in Canada

The Raise App is now available in Canada, offering users the ability to shop with their favorite brands while earning cashback rewards through “Raise Cash.” The platform simplifies the gift card experience from purchasing to redemption, providing a seamless and value-driven approach. The app is designed for Canadians who prioritize convenience, savings, and innovation in their shopping habits.

New Opportunities for Canadian Businesses

Canadian businesses can also benefit from Raise’s advanced B2B API solution, which supports digital card distribution and enhances loyalty programs. The technology allows businesses to integrate Raise’s ecosystem, offering secure and efficient ways to engage customers and improve their shopping experiences.

“Our expansion into the Canadian market underscores our mission to deliver a better gift card and digital payment experience,” said George Bousis, Founder and CEO of Raise. “Canada is an exciting opportunity for us to connect with consumers and businesses who value innovation and savings. We’re thrilled to support Canadians in shopping smarter and earning more.”

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration

Raise’s Canadian launch includes innovative features like blockchain technology and cryptocurrency support, providing users with more flexibility in how they use and manage gift cards. Through BFG Labs, Raise leverages blockchain technology to combat fraud, reduce inefficiencies, and create a dynamic loyalty ecosystem tailored to modern retail demands.

This blockchain-driven approach offers Canadian retailers a cutting-edge solution to optimize loyalty programs and protect against fraud, positioning Raise as a leader in secure and advanced digital payment systems.

Benefits for Retailers and Consumers

For Canadian retailers, Raise provides real-time gift card activation and redemption, along with advanced fraud prevention tools. These features allow businesses to offer secure, flexible solutions to attract and retain customers in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

Consumers benefit from an intuitive shopping platform that enables them to save more while enjoying a seamless purchasing experience. By bridging traditional and digital payment systems, Raise ensures its technology meets the needs of today’s shoppers and businesses alike.

Part of a Global Expansion

Canada is part of Raise’s broader strategy to expand its innovative gift card solutions worldwide. With partnerships spanning over 1,000 global brands and a network of over one million stores, websites, and applications, Raise plans to extend its B2B offering to 30 additional countries.

Since its founding in 2012, Raise has facilitated over $10 billion in transactions through its consumer app, exchange platform, and B2B operations. The company says it remains committed to enhancing how gift cards are used, making them more accessible, flexible, and rewarding.

More from Retail Insider:

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Canadians driving surge in event-led travel as domestic bookings jump 15%: Flight Centre

Travellers are prioritizing meaningful experiences and exploring destinations closer to home.

Roots reports Q1 sales growth of 6.5% to $42.6 million

Net loss totaled ($10.1) million, as compared to ($7.9) million in Q1 2025.

SportChek opens Canada’s first-ever floating futsal pitch on Toronto Waterfront

SportChek Harbourfront FC brings together free public programming, interactive fan experiences, community play spaces and retail activations inspired by the growing excitement surrounding soccer in Canada.

Good Earth Coffeehouse opens at University of Alberta Hospital

Good Earth Coffeehouse is a network of authentic coffeehouses with over 50 locations across Canada.

Mondetta Expands Modern Ambition with Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver Stores

Mondetta is expanding its Modern Ambition menswear brand with new stores in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, while evaluating additional opportunities across Canada, the United States and Europe.

Federal government launches National Food Security Strategy

With the average transaction sitting at approximately $12 per person, restaurants provide an accessible source of nourishment for millions of Canadians.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 11, 2026

HBC Royal Charter welcomed at Winnipeg Ceremony, FreshCo opening 1st Vancouver Island store, Palliser Furniture acquired by Chinese company after 80 years, Bulgari opens in Vancouver, Dickey's Barbecue Pit opening at West Edmonton Mall, and other news.

What Happened to Canada’s Women’s Fashion Chains?

Many of Canada’s iconic women’s fashion chains have disappeared. Retail expert Antony Karabus explains how fast fashion, casualization and economic shifts changed the industry.

Chanel Opens Largest Store in Canada at Oakridge Park in Vancouver

Chanel has opened its largest store in Canada at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. The 13,000-square-foot location is the brand's first full-concept store in Canada and a key addition to the development's luxury retail lineup.

Dollarama sees more than 21% year-over-year sales growth in Q1, surpassing $1.8 billion

Net earnings increased by 10.4% to $302.3 million, resulting in a 13.3% increase in diluted net earnings per common share to $1.11, compared to $0.98.

Advertising influencing people to place a bet: CPA Canada

“You can’t hide from it; gambling ads are everywhere."

lululemon Returns to Oakridge Park with New Store Concept

lululemon has returned to Oakridge Park with one of its newest Canadian store concepts, featuring Pacific Northwest-inspired design, local programming and community engagement.

Pinterest sports trend report shows surge in women’s sports fashion and beauty trends

The La Roche Posay activation will run until July 22. 

German outerwear brand Wellensteyn targets 2nd Canadian store after strong Niagara debut

The success of the 2,350-square-foot store at Outlet Collection at Niagara demonstrates that Canada is a promising market for the international company and the goal is to open another in 2027.

Jersey Mike’s Subs to open 3rd downtown Toronto location

Redberry will open the third downtown Toronto Jersey Mike’s Subs at 160 Bloor St. E. on Wednesday June 17, with a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Canada.

Honestly Good Chicken Fingers opens 4th location at Stock Yards Village in West Toronto 

With locations in Etobicoke, The Well and Vaughan Mills, the Stock Yards Village opening marks the fourth location in the Toronto area and sets the stage for broader growth across Canada and the United States.

CFIB urges Ottawa to protect supply chains in Canada Labour Code reforms

"Cancelled orders, delayed shipments, lost income: small businesses pay the price every time federally regulated supply chains grind to a halt."

Financial anxiety surges in Canada as costs climb

The number of those gripped by anxiety when thinking about personal finances has surged to 60%.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 10, 2026

FIFA store opens in downtown Vancouver without price tags, Calgary's European Bakery marks 20 years, Montreal Dunkin' operators bank on nostalgia, Bulgari unveils Oakridge Park store, vagrancy concerns on Spring Garden Road in Halifax, and other news.

Licensed establishments in Alberta now able to serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m.

This change gives licensees the option to open earlier to meet business needs and customer demand, including during occasions such as international sporting events and cultural celebrations.