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:

RELATED ARTICLES

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Daily Synopsis: October 6, 2026

Wild Fork retreats from Ontario after closing four stores, contrasting with Jollibee's rapid Canadian growth and MINISO's launch of a larger store format in Mississauga. Their differing strategies reflect varied approaches to scaling retail operations in competitive markets.

Wild Fork Exits Canada, Abandoning Ambitious Ontario Expansion Plans

Wild Fork is exiting Canada and closing four Ontario stores after once planning nearly 30 locations and broader national expansion.

VIDEO: What consumers can do during an affordability crisis

Bruce Winder, a retail analyst, shops this way and offers the following advice.

Crate & Barrel Holdings partners with Affirm for flexible payment options

Crate & Barrel Holdings has partnered with Affirm to offer flexible biweekly and monthly payment options to eligible shoppers in Canada and the U.S. across its brands.

Skip, Instacart partner to expand grocery, restaurant delivery options for Canadians

Skip customers will gain access to Instacart’s grocery and retail marketplace, while Instacart users will be able to order from more than 50,000 Skip restaurant partners.

Vaughan Mills Turns 10,000-Box Pasta Tumble Into Mall-Wide Community Activation

Vaughan Mills staged a 1.7-kilometre chain reaction using 10,000 pasta boxes before donating them to Vaughan Food Bank, extending the initiative through the weekend with its After-Tumble activation combining community programming, entertainment and retail promotions.

Sleep Protein Expands Across Canada Through Loblaw Retail Rollout

Canadian wellness brand Sleep Protein is expanding across Loblaw banners as founder Marc Boudreau targets pharmacy, natural health and future U.S. growth.

George Sully Reflects on Building Canadian Fashion Brands, Retail and Resilience

Canadian designer George Sully discusses his memoir Designing in the Dark, lessons from building fashion brands, working with major retailers and the challenges of scaling in Canada.

Jollibee Sees Potential for Hundreds of Restaurants in Canada as Expansion Accelerates

Jollibee sees potential for hundreds of Canadian restaurants as 26 franchised locations are committed in B.C. and Edmonton.

SUPER MINISO to Enter Canada as Retailer Expands Multi-Format Store Strategy

SUPER MINISO will make its Canadian debut October 10 at Square One in Mississauga, with another location planned for CF Polo Park. The format joins MINISO LAND as the retailer expands its larger, IP-driven store strategy across major Canadian shopping centres.

Thanksgiving turkey dinner for four estimated to cost 10 per cent more in 2026: Dalhousie report

Families got a break in 2025 as the turkey basket rose just 0.6 per cent but face an estimated 10 per cent increase this year.

77% of Canadians say buying local is how they are “standing up” for their communities in the face of US tariffs

New Meridian research reveals that 75% Canadians believe small local businesses are in for a rough two years.

Popeyes launches biscuit mix, dipping sauces in Canadian grocery stores

Popeyes has entered the Canadian grocery market with a biscuit mix and two dipping sauces, expanding its restaurant flavours into at-home food products.

Daily Synopsis: October 5, 2026

Small grocery chains at risk amid rising costs, Metro Vancouver leads North America in luxury store openings with Oakridge Park, Northmart renovates Iqaluit store, Sephora opening at Liberty Village in Toronto, Zellers appears to be opening in Cambridge Centre, and other news.

Massive social and athletic club planned for Calgary (Renderings)

Amenities for 400,000-square-foot complex to include an NHL-sized ice rink, expansive aquatics and athletic facilities, rooftop dining and wellness experiences.

Canadians face growing job insecurity as tariffs, AI and economic uncertainty weigh on workers: MNP

MNP survey finds 55% of Canadians worry about job mobility, while AI, tariffs, debt and economic uncertainty add to financial pressures facing households.

TM Wander Eyes Canadian Expansion as Central Walk Seeks Mall Partners

Central Walk is exploring Canadian expansion for TM Wander, with Toronto, mall partnerships and large-format retail spaces among potential opportunities.

Canadian Retailers Face Rising Financial Pressure as Bankruptcy Risks Mount: Alex Hennick

Higher costs, cautious consumers and excess inventory are putting pressure on Canadian retailers, with experts urging earlier action to protect cash flow and preserve business value.

Square One Reshapes Retail Mix with New Tenants

Square One in Mississauga is seeing a major tenant refresh as Tiffany prepares a standalone boutique, Rolex expands, and SUPER MINISO, POP MART, LEGO, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and other retailers move in.

52% of tariff-impacted small businesses are performing worse: Merchant Growth report

Many Canadian small business owners say they’re an afterthought in trade negotiations and most haven’t felt the Buy Canadian boost