Preferred Patron has recommended connecting gift card activity with loyalty enrollment, so a business can continue its relationship with a recipient after the initial redemption.

In a May 8, 2026 guide, the provider suggested inviting gift card recipients to join a loyalty program when they use the card. Other examples included awarding points to card buyers and creating bonus-card offers for specified spending periods.

The company said its platform combines branded gift cards, virtual delivery, balance lookup, store credit, rewards and loyalty messaging. It also described digital reward catalogs as an option for points redemptions and other member incentives.

Preferred Patron’s approach distinguishes the initial gift-driven visit from subsequent activity. A recipient may first encounter the business through a card purchased by someone else, while points, a birthday reward or a future-visit offer can provide another reason to engage.

The provider argued that separate systems can make it harder to connect these stages and understand redemption behavior. Its recommendation is to plan the experience after redemption as well as the sale of the gift card, using the shared program information to support ongoing customer communication.