How fast can I start selling gift cards?

Digital gift cards can be live within a day since they need no printing. Physical cards add a few days for design and delivery.

What do I need to launch a gift card program?

A gift-card-enabled POS or payment provider, denominations and rules set, staff trained on selling and redeeming, and a visible in-store and online display.

Gift Cards & Loyalty

How to Launch a Gift Card Program in One Week

You don't need a quarter to launch gift cards. You need a week and this plan.

Armour Payments Editorial Team•September 21, 2026•1 min read•Reviewed by Armour Payments Product Team

The short answer

Launch a gift card program in a week: set up the program and rules early in the week, design and order cards (and enable digital), train staff and build in-store and online displays mid-week, then promote and go live by week’s end. The setup is fast and the payoff is immediate.

Days 1-2: Set up and decide format

Activate your gift card program, set denominations and rules, and choose digital, physical or both. Enable digital immediately since it needs no printing, you can be selling eGift cards within a day.

Days 3-4: Design, train, display

Order physical cards with your branding, train staff to sell and redeem them, and create a checkout display plus an online buy-a-gift-card link. Make buying obvious both in store and on your site.

Days 5-7: Promote and go live

Announce on social, email and at the counter. A simple "Gift cards now available" message converts surprisingly well, especially before a holiday. Use the holiday playbook if a peak is near.