Blackhawk Network (BHN) has partnered with Google Play in order “to launch a new way for consumers to enjoy their favourite digital apps and games by transacting in physical retail locations to convert real-world cash into digital currency.”
The partnership is “powered by BHN’s systems and retail partnerships, and Google Play‘s digital payments platform.” It is due to launch in the middle of 2023 with Lawson Japan.
Consumers begin each transaction “using their phones, choose items to purchase, and then complete the transaction by simply presenting a barcode on their phones at a retail store.”
The cashier at the store “scans the unique code on the phone, the customer pays, and the seamless bridge between physical and digital payments is complete, with real-world cash used for a digital purchase.”
This new service “enables a fast seamless payment experience at Lawson.”
Through this new program introducing a suite of BHN’s payment solutions, BHN is delivering on its goal “to help retailers evolve the global in-store experience for the modern consumer, powering the digital transformation.”
And at the same time, BHN helps Google Play “offer its users yet another way to enjoy millions of the latest apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines and more, anytime and anywhere, across their Android devices.”
As noted in the update, Blackhawk Network (BHN) explains that it “delivers branded payment solutions through the prepaid products, technologies and network that connect brands and people.”
They aim to collaborate with their partners in order “to innovate, translating market trends in branded payments to increase reach, loyalty, and revenue.”
They also claim to “reliably execute security-minded solutions worldwide. Join us as we shape the future of global branded payments.”
As covered last year, Blackhawk Network, an international branded payments provider, announced that it is teaming up with NFT and blockchain wallet provider, Bitski, in order to distribute the “first” promotion for an NFT with the purchase of a gift card, “offering both real and virtual (Web3) world value.”
Demonstrating this new capability via a promotion on Blackhawk Network’s Giftcards.com, the first 100 customers who purchase an AMC Theatres® gift card of $50 or more “will receive one of 100 limited-edition NFTs by popular artist Jon Shelley, a.k.a. Kryptoz.”
