Payactiv and Blackhawk Network Announce Partnership to Help Maximize Earned Wages with Digital Gift Cards and Promotions

SILICON VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Payactiv, the creator of Earned Wage Access (EWA) and a certified B Corp, has partnered with Blackhawk Network (BHN), a global leader in branded payments, to offer digital gift cards and special promotions directly from the Payactiv app.

Payactiv users will be able to browse a robust selection of digital gift cards and promotional offers within the app's marketplace and purchase them using their available earned wages.

The partnership maximizes the value of workers' earned wages by giving them opportunities to pay less for gift cards with dozens of top participating brands, adding new ways in which they can spend their funds, find deals and ultimately save money.

"Payactiv's partnership with BHN provides cost-saving opportunities for employees, helping to reduce expenses at a time when many struggle to make ends meet," Payactiv CEO and founder Safwan Shah said. "By integrating within the Payactiv Marketplace, BHN helps employees' earned wages go further."

Gift cards are increasingly popular for consumers seeking affordable and convenient payment options. For participating brands, the Payactiv Marketplace creates an opportunity to reach workers at the point of purchase, support customer acquisition, and build lasting loyalty through relevant offers and added value. Through Payactiv, employers and other businesses can expand their wellness and loyalty offerings by offering the most requested employer rewards and gifts to strengthen retention and engagement among those they serve.

"Our research shows that everyday expenses like grocery and fuel prices are leading causes of economic concern going into the holidays, which is why gift cards are such a smart addition to the Payactiv app," said Mei-joy Foster, vice president of talent management, BHN. "People are using value like gift cards, rewards and points as part of their everyday budgeting strategy and are combining them with deals and promotions to maximize spending power. Payactiv empowers users to do all of that within its app and provides convenient digital access so funds are easier to store and spend."

Payactiv connects access to earned wages with tools that help people use and manage their money, including bill pay, savings, financial wellness resources, and marketplace offers. BHN's digital gift card experience will launch within the Payactiv app in November 2026.

About Payactiv

Payactiv is the access standard for earned money. As the pioneer of Earned Wage Access (EWA), Payactiv powers access to earned money across employers, payroll and HCM providers, financial institutions, and workforce platforms. Its infrastructure enables more than 245,000 businesses to deliver EWA, card programs, real-time payments, and embedded financial experiences—giving people greater choice in when, where, and how they access their money. Payactiv is a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation based in Silicon Valley. For more information, visit payactiv.com.

About Blackhawk Network

Today, through BHN's single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world's largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, eGifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN's network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints.

BHN's direct-to-consumer gift card marketplace, Giftcards.com, is America's highest-rated online gift card destination, with more than 45,000 verified reviews and more than $2 billion in gift card sales.

Learn more at BHN.com.

SOURCE Payactiv