Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Corporate Clients – GiftCardStore Italy
Welcome to the GiftCardStore Italy FAQ section, the B2B platform of the Amilon group dedicated to businesses. Here you will find detailed answers to the most common questions regarding the purchase and use of our digital Gift Cards for your corporate needs in Italy. GiftCardStore, part of the Amilon group, is committed to providing efficient, secure, and advantageous solutions for incentive programs, corporate welfare, fringe benefits, promotions, and gifting. Browse the sections below to find the information you need. If your question is not answered here, our contact is at your disposal.
Note: GiftCardStore is a platform exclusively for businesses. If you are a private customer interested in purchasing Gift Cards, please visit Giftiamo.com.
Section 1: Corporate Account: Registration and Management
1.1 Who can register on GiftCardStore? Is it reserved for businesses only?
Yes, GiftCardStore is a B2B e-commerce platform designed specifically and exclusively for businesses, freelancers, and organizations with a VAT number. Registration is required to access the full catalog and proceed with purchases. For private customers, the Giftiamo.com platform is available, also part of the Amilon group.
1.2 Why is it necessary to register my company with all the requested information (VAT number, SDI, PEC, etc.)?
The requirement to provide complete company information during registration is essential for several reasons:
- Company Verification: It allows us to confirm your company's identity and validity.
- Electronic Invoicing: This automates and speeds up the accounting process.
Security: Registering and verifying company information are essential security measures to protect both your company and our platform from potential fraud.
1.3 What is the registration procedure?
The registration procedure is simple and fast:
- Click on Register at the following link https://shop.giftcardstore.eu/register
- Enter your corporate domain email address to receive a code and continue with registration
- Enter the code; you will be asked to enter your personal data
- Fill in the VAT field in international format including the country prefix
- If the VAT number is recognized as valid, the company fields will fill in automatically
- If the company is Italian, you will be asked to fill in the SDI and/or PEC fields for invoicing
- Once all fields are completed, click SUBMIT and set your password via email to access your profile and immediately proceed to place your first order.
1.4 What documents are required for registration and account validation?
No documents are required for registration; the company will be approved and verified following the first order, which must be made via bank transfer.
1.5 Can a company have multiple users associated with the same account? How are they managed?
Certainly. We understand that different roles within a company may need access to the platform. You can create multiple users (e.g., for the purchasing department, marketing department, administration) associated with the same main corporate account. User management (creating, modifying permissions, deleting) can be performed by the main administrator user via the appropriate section in the profile, or the new user can complete a new registration.
1.6 How can I modify my company's data or the data of associated users?
For modifications to sensitive data, you must contact our customer service for security and verification reasons. However, you can remove or modify the profiles of associated users on your own.
1.7 How can I recover my account password?
If you have forgotten your GiftCardStore account password, you can use the standard "Forgot Password?" feature on the login page. By entering the email address associated with your account, you will receive instructions via email to securely reset your password. This is a common practice to ensure account security.
1.8 I can't register; I get the error "invalid VAT number"
If the VAT field in the registration form reports an error, check that the VAT number entered is typed correctly and written in international format (e.g., ITXXXXX; DEXXXX). For security reasons, each VAT number is verified via a check on the Revenue Agency/VIES website.
Section 2: B2B Orders: Purchase and Payment
2.1 Ordering Process
2.1.1 Is there a minimum amount for the first order or for subsequent orders?
Yes, to ensure an efficient activation and verification process for new corporate customers, there is a minimum amount of €250 (two hundred and fifty euros) for the first order placed on GiftCardStore. For orders placed after the first one, there are no minimum order amounts, offering maximum flexibility for recurrent or smaller purchases.
2.1.2 How to place an order on GiftCardStore
The ordering process on our platform is designed to be intuitive for both single purchases and orders containing large quantities of Gift Cards:
- Selection: Browse our catalog, use filters by category or brand, and select the desired Gift Cards. Choose the value and quantity for each card.
- Cart: Add the selected Gift Cards to the cart. You can add different types of cards in the same order.
- Checkout: Proceed to checkout. Review the order details, enter any additional required information, and select the payment method.
- Confirmation: Once payment and the order are completed, you will receive the gift cards via email or you can download them from your personal area in the order history.
2.2 Accepted Payment Methods
2.2.1 Important: VOP transfers
ATTENTION: from 9 October 2025, banks have introduced "VOP" (Verification of Payee) transfers, a system that compares the IBAN and the beneficiary's name before executing the transfer. Therefore, if you receive an alert message when making the transfer at your bank, no problem, we confirm that the Virtual IBAN you will receive is always linked to our bank account at Banca Sella.
2.2.2 Which payment methods are accepted for corporate orders?
GiftCardStore accepts the following payment methods for B2B orders:
- Bank Transfer: This is the mandatory method for the first order (minimum amount €250). It is also available for subsequent orders. The bank coordinates (IBAN) will be provided during the checkout process and in the order confirmation. Digital Gift Card delivery will occur after the actual crediting of the transfer, which generally takes 2-3 business days.
- Credit Card: For orders after the first one, you can pay with major credit cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard). This method generally allows faster order processing.
- MyBank and SEPA transfer
2.2.3 Are there special conditions for payment of the first order?
Yes, as specified, the first order on GiftCardStore, which must be a minimum of €250, must be paid by Bank Transfer. This initial procedure allows us to complete the necessary verifications and establish a secure business relationship. For all subsequent orders, you will have access to other available payment methods, such as credit card.
What happens if I do not make the bank transfer payment?
If payment is not made within 15 days, the order draft will be automatically canceled.
I selected bank transfer as the payment method but wanted to pay with a credit card; what can I do?
You can choose not to complete the bank transfer payment and the order will be canceled after 14 days; you can then place a new order immediately selecting the correct payment method.
2.3 Invoicing and VAT
2.3.1 How do I receive the invoice for my order? Is it electronic?
Yes, all invoices issued by GiftCardStore for corporate orders are electronic invoices in XML format, compliant with Italian regulations. To ensure automatic and correct receipt, it is essential to check the “Request Invoice” field during checkout.
2.3.2 Is it possible to request a copy of the invoice (courtesy invoice)?
Certainly. If you need a PDF copy of the invoice (courtesy invoice) for your internal documentation, you can download it via the dedicated section in your reserved area (back office) on the platform.
2.3.3 Is there an invoice archive in my user profile?
Yes! Within the personal area, you can download both the invoices and the pro-forma again.
2.3.4 Are Gift Cards subject to VAT? How is VAT handled on the invoice?
Gift Cards sold on GiftCardStore generally fall into the category of "Multi-Purpose Vouchers" (MPV) according to the EU Directive and Italian VAT regulations (Art. 6-quater DPR 633/72). This means that the purchase of the Gift Card itself is not subject to VAT. The tax becomes due only when the Gift Card is actually used by the final recipient to purchase specific goods or services, and it will be applied by the retailer or service provider. Consequently, the invoice you receive from GiftCardStore for the purchase of the Gift Cards will be issued "outside the scope of VAT" or with a 0% VAT rate for the face value of the cards. Any additional invoiced costs (e.g., service fees, customization or shipping costs, if applicable) may instead be subject to VAT according to the applicable rates. This handling ensures tax compliance for your company.
2.3.5 The administrative data on the invoice are incorrect; what should I do?
Contact support via the chatbot located at the bottom right; our operators will be available to assist you.
2.4 Costs and Fees
2.4.1 Are there fees for purchasing B2B Gift Cards?
GiftCardStore is committed to offering the highest transparency on costs. We do not apply additional fees on the face value of digital Gift Cards purchased through our platform. The cost to your company corresponds to the nominal value of the Gift Cards purchased. There are no hidden costs, nor account activation or standard management fees.
Section 3: B2B Orders: Delivery
3.1 How are purchased Gift Cards delivered (digital/physical)?
Since we specialize in the digital format, delivery is electronic:
- Download from Reserved Area: In addition to email delivery, purchased Gift Cards are usually available for download from the "Order History" section within your corporate account on the GiftCardStore platform.
3.2 What are the delivery times for Gift Cards?
Delivery times depend on the format and payment method:
- Digital Gift Cards (Delivery to Purchaser/Download): Once payment is confirmed (immediate for credit cards, 1-3 business days for bank transfers), emails containing the protected file and the password are generally sent within a few business hours. The cards are often available for download from the order history almost concurrently with payment confirmation.
Section 4: Security and Data Protection
4.1 What security measures does GiftCardStore adopt to protect B2B accounts and transactions?
Security is an absolute priority for GiftCardStore. We adopt multiple measures to protect our corporate customers' accounts and B2B transactions:
- Mandatory Registration and Verification: We require the registration and verification of company data to ensure we operate with legitimate entities and prevent unauthorized access.
- Standard Security Protocols: We use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to protect data transmitted between your browser and our servers during navigation and transactions. We implement industry-standard security practices for data and infrastructure management.
- Password Security: We enforce robust password policies and offer secure password recovery procedures.
- Transaction Monitoring: We have systems in place to monitor transactions and identify potential suspicious or fraudulent activities.
- Amilon Infrastructure: As part of the Amilon group, we benefit from the experience and security infrastructure of a well-established operator in the digital payments and Gift Card market.
We are committed to maintaining adequate security measures to protect your data, in line with industry best practices.
4.2 How are the personal and company data provided during registration and purchase protected?
The protection of your data is fundamental. We process personal and company data in accordance with the EU GDPR 2016/679 and applicable Italian law.
- Privacy Policy: Our Privacy Policy details which data we collect, how we use it, the legal bases for processing, and your rights regarding it.
- Technical and Organizational Measures: We implement technical and organizational security measures to prevent unauthorized access, data loss, destruction, or alteration.
- Access Limitation: Access to your data is limited to authorized personnel who need it to perform their duties (e.g., customer support, order management).
- Third Parties: We share data with third parties only when necessary to provide the service (e.g., transmitting invoice data to the SDI) or when required by law, and we require our partners to adopt appropriate security measures.
We invite you to consult our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy for complete information.
4.3 What does GiftCardStore do to prevent fraud related to Gift Cards?
Fraud prevention is crucial. Our actions include:
- B2B Registration and Verification: As already mentioned, company identity verification is the first line of defense.
- Suspicious Activity Monitoring: Our systems analyze purchase and usage patterns to identify potential anomalies.
- Limits and Controls: We may apply purchase limits or require additional verifications for particularly large or unusual orders.
- Collaboration with Brands: We work closely with our brand partners to share information on potential fraud and implement preventive measures.
- User Education: We inform our customers about secure practices for purchasing and managing Gift Cards.
4.4 What should I do if I suspect fraudulent activity or a security issue related to my account or an order?
If you suspect unauthorized access to your account, fraudulent use of Gift Cards associated with your order, or any other security issue, it is crucial to act promptly:
- Contact our dedicated B2B Customer Service immediately, providing all details of the problem.
- If applicable, change your GiftCardStore account password and review your security settings.
- Follow the instructions provided by our support team to mitigate the issue and initiate any investigations.
Timely reporting is essential to limit potential damage.
4.5 What is the responsibility of the purchasing company in the secure handling of digital Gift Card codes?
Once GiftCardStore has delivered the digital Gift Card codes (especially via protected file delivery to the purchaser), the purchasing company assumes primary responsibility for secure handling. This includes:
- Secure Storage: Store the codes (and any access passwords) in a secure location accessible only to authorized personnel.
- Secure Distribution: Use secure methods to distribute the codes to final recipients (e.g., individual corporate emails, protected internal platforms). Avoid unprotected mass sharing.
- Prevention of Misuse: Ensure that codes are not used for unauthorized or illegal purposes, such as unapproved resale or self-use for unauthorized corporate purchases.
- Post-Distribution Deletion: Once the codes have been distributed to recipients, it is good practice to securely remove or delete them from the company's internal systems to reduce the risk of future unauthorized access.
- Recipient Training: Inform final recipients (employees, customers) about the importance of treating the Gift Card code like cash and storing it securely.
Adopting these practices helps prevent fraud and ensures that the Gift Cards serve their intended purpose.
Section 5: Support and Troubleshooting
5.1 How can I track the status of my order?
You can monitor the status of your orders by accessing the "Order History" section in your corporate account on GiftCardStore. In this section, you will find a list of your past and recent purchases. For each order, you can view details such as:
- Order Number
- Order Date
- Total Amount
- Payment Status (e.g., Pending Payment, Paid)
- Order Status (e.g., Processing, Completed, Shipped/Delivered)
- Details of the Gift Cards included in the order.
This section also allows you to download the digital Gift Cards once the order has been completed and payment confirmed.
5.2 What to do if I have issues with order payment?
If you encounter difficulties during the payment process, we recommend the following steps:
- Verify Entered Data: Ensure that the credit card details (number, expiration date, CVV) or the bank transfer coordinates are correct.
- Contact Your Bank: If credit card payments are declined without apparent reason, contact the issuing institution to check for any blocks or technical issues.
- Contact GiftCardStore Support: If the problem persists or affects the checkout process on our platform, contact our support team providing the order number (if available) and a description of the issue. We will be happy to assist you.
5.3 What happens if a Gift Card is lost, stolen, or not functioning properly?
- Lost/Stolen: Once a digital Gift Card has been delivered (to the purchaser or the recipient) and/or activated, it is treated like cash. Therefore, in the event of code loss, accidental email deletion, or theft (e.g., unauthorized access to the recipient’s email), GiftCardStore and the issuing brand are generally unable to block, replace, or refund the remaining value. It is essential that both the purchasing company and the final recipient take proper measures to securely store the codes.
- Not Functioning: If a received Gift Card is invalid or presents technical issues at the time of use (e.g., code not recognized, incorrect balance), provided it is within the expiration date and used according to instructions, contact the customer service of the chosen brand. Provide the Gift Card code and a detailed description of the issue encountered (where you attempted to use it, error message, etc.).
5.4 How can I contact dedicated corporate customer support? What are the support hours?
To ensure targeted and efficient assistance, GiftCardStore provides the chatbot located at the bottom right of the site, or you can find other contact channels on the Customer Support page.
Section 6: Fringe Benefits and Corporate Welfare (Italy)
6.1 Can I use the Gift Cards purchased on GiftCardStore as Fringe Benefits for my employees in Italy?
Yes, absolutely. Gift Cards are one of the most popular, appreciated, and flexible tools for providing so-called Fringe Benefits to employees in Italy, in full compliance with current tax regulations, particularly Article 51, Paragraph 3 of the Italian Income Tax Code (TUIR). Thanks to their nature as "in-kind benefits" (goods and services) and not cash, Gift Cards allow companies to offer a concrete value to their employees while benefiting from favorable tax and social security treatment within specific annual thresholds.
6.2 What are the tax advantages for the company in using Gift Cards as Fringe Benefits?
Using Gift Cards as Fringe Benefits offers significant tax advantages for the company:
- Full Deductibility: The cost incurred by the company for purchasing Gift Cards granted to employees as Fringe Benefits is fully deductible from corporate income for IRES/IRPEF purposes. This is because such expenses fall under employee compensation costs pursuant to Art. 95 of the TUIR.
- No Additional Social Security Contributions: Within the exemption thresholds (see FAQ 7.4), the value of the Gift Cards is not subject to social security contributions for either the company or the employee. This makes Gift Cards a cost-effective solution to increase employees' net purchasing power and improve the workplace environment.
6.3 What are the tax advantages for the employee receiving Gift Cards as Fringe Benefits?
For employees, receiving Gift Cards as Fringe Benefits is also advantageous:
- Tax and Contribution Exemption: The value of Gift Cards received does not contribute to taxable employment income for IRPEF and is not subject to social security contributions, provided that the total value of all fringe benefits received by the employee during the fiscal year (including company cars, meal vouchers beyond the threshold, etc.) does not exceed the annual exemption threshold set by law.
- Increased Net Purchasing Power: The employee receives spendable value net of tax and social security withholdings that would apply to an equivalent salary increase.
6.4 Does GiftCardStore offer specific solutions for Corporate Welfare plans (e.g., Flexible Benefits, dedicated platforms)?
Yes, GiftCardStore is part of the Amilon Group, a leader in digital solutions for corporate welfare and engagement. In addition to direct Gift Card purchases through GiftCardStore, we can support your company with more structured platforms and solutions. To learn more, visit the “Amilon Digital Solutions” section.
6.5 How is the distribution of Gift Cards managed to comply with the obligations of National Collective Labor Agreements (CCNL) that include welfare measures?
Many CCNLs (such as Metalworkers, Telecommunications, Goldsmiths, etc.) require companies to provide welfare tools to workers for a certain annual amount. The digital Gift Cards offered by GiftCardStore are an ideal and easy-to-manage tool to meet these contractual obligations. They allow the company to distribute the required value in a traceable and compliant manner, and the employee to use the credit with maximum freedom of choice within our wide catalog, thus satisfying both regulatory requirements and individual preferences.
6.6 Can Gift Cards also be used for other corporate purposes such as production bonuses, sales incentives, gifts to customers/suppliers? Are there different tax implications?
Yes, Gift Cards are extremely versatile and can be effectively used for many other corporate purposes beyond employee Fringe Benefits:
- Sales Force Incentives (Agents, Distributors): To motivate and reward the achievement of sales targets.
- Production or Performance Bonuses: As tangible recognition for individual or team performance.
- Promotional Competitions and Sweepstakes: As prizes for end consumers in promotional activities.
- Loyalty Programs: To reward customer loyalty.
- Gifts to Customers and Suppliers: As gifts for special occasions (Christmas, anniversaries) or to strengthen business relationships.
- Marketing and Acquisition Activities: To incentivize new sign-ups, product trials, or other desired actions.
It is very important to note that the tax implications for these uses may differ from those for Fringe Benefits to employees (Art. 51 TUIR). For example: - Gifts to clients/suppliers of goods that do not fall within the company’s core activity are deductible up to a unit cost limit of €50 (Art. 108, c.2 TUIR). VAT on such gifts is generally non-deductible, except in certain cases.
- Prizes awarded in competitions or promotional operations are subject to specific regulations (DPR 430/2001).
- In-kind compensation to agents or external collaborators may have specific tax treatments.
Due to the complexity of the matter, we strongly recommend consulting your tax advisor to determine the correct tax treatment of Gift Cards based on the specific use case.
The information contained in these FAQs is up to date as of the last page update and is provided for informational purposes only. We recommend always verifying the specific conditions on the GiftCardStore website and consulting a professional for personalized legal or tax advice.
6.7 Are you interested in purchasing prepaid cards or similar payment instruments, other than gift cards, for your welfare plan?
For corporate welfare plans, Amilon, through GiftCardStore, does not distribute prepaid cards or other similar payment instruments.
This choice has a specific objective: to guarantee companies and employees full access to the preferential tax regime provided for fringe benefits and corporate welfare in Italy.
Our solutions focus on corporate gift cards and welfare vouchers that:
- are recognized as eligible instruments in the corporate welfare context;
- entitle employees to obtain permitted goods and services, within the value limit provided by law;
- are spendable at the issuing entity or within a clearly defined network of affiliated merchants, in line with the requirement of so-called "limited spendability".
In light of the latest guidelines from the Italian Revenue Agency, prepaid cards and generalist payment instruments:
- may not meet the limited spendability requirement, because they can be used in a broad and changing network of merchants from different sectors;
- generally provide for a direct relationship between the payment network (for example Visa or Mastercard) and the merchant, and not between the benefit issuer and the affiliated network;
- do not present a unique and circumscribed brand or scope of use, as required for welfare benefits.
On the contrary, gift cards and digital vouchers distributed by Amilon through GiftCardStore are designed to be limited spendability instruments, compliant with payment services regulations (PSD2) and related interpretations of the European Banking Authority, and therefore suitable for use in corporate welfare and fringe benefit plans.
For a detailed evaluation of the tax treatment of your corporate welfare plan, we recommend in any case that you consult with your tax advisor or a reference professional.
Section 7: Our Gift Cards: Catalog and Usage
7.1 Which Gift Card brands are available on GiftCardStore?
GiftCardStore offers an extremely broad and diverse catalog, including hundreds of digital Gift Cards from the best Italian and international brands. Our assortment covers all major categories to meet every corporate need and recipient preference, such as:
- Grocery Vouchers: Esselunga, Carrefour, Conad, Iper, Bennet, Basko, and many others.
- Fuel Vouchers: Q8, Tamoil, ENI, IP.
- Electronics and Technology: MediaWorld, Unieuro, Trony.
- Fashion and Accessories: Zalando, OVS, Coin, La Rinascente, ASOS, H&M, Foot Locker.
- Home and DIY: IKEA, Leroy Merlin, Brico Io.
- Travel and Transport: Trenitalia, Italo, Flixbus, Volagratis, Airbnb.
- Entertainment and Leisure: NOW TV, Feltrinelli, Mondadori Store.
- Beauty and Personal Care: Douglas, Sephora.
- Sports: Decathlon, Foot Locker.
- Dining: TheFork, Eataly, Signorvino.
- Baby Products: Prenatal, Chicco.
- Multi-Brand Gift Cards: proprietary solutions by Amilon.
We invite you to consult our Complete Catalog, constantly updated, where you can filter Gift Cards by category, brand, and country of validity. The breadth of choice is a key strength to ensure that your gift or incentive is truly appreciated and useful for the recipient.
7.2 Do you offer digital Gift Cards (eGift Cards) and/or physical ones?
GiftCardStore specializes in providing digital Gift Cards (eGift Cards). This format offers numerous advantages for companies:
- Immediate Delivery: eGift Cards can be delivered instantly via email.
- Flexibility: Easy to distribute to employees or customers regardless of location.
- Sustainability: Reduces environmental impact by eliminating the need for plastic and physical shipping.
- Security: Secure sending and activation processes.
7.3 How are purchased Gift Cards used? (Online, Offline)
Gift Card usage varies depending on the specific brand and the card format (predominantly digital in our case). In general:
- Online Use: Most digital Gift Cards can be used for purchases on the respective brand's e-commerce sites. The procedure typically involves entering the Gift Card code (and sometimes a PIN) in the designated field during checkout.
- Offline Use (Physical Stores): Many digital Gift Cards can also be used in brand physical stores. The recipient must present the Gift Card code (often via smartphone by displaying the email or a dedicated app, or sometimes by printing the voucher) at the register when paying. Some brands may require the use of specific apps (e.g., the Carrefour app allows the Gift Card to be loaded into the wallet).
Important: Detailed usage instructions for each Gift Card (accepted channels, exact procedures) are always provided:
- On the Gift Card detail page on our site before purchase.
- Within the digital voucher sent to the recipient or purchaser.
- Often, also on the brand's website in the Gift Card section.
We always recommend checking this specific information to ensure a smooth experience for the recipient.
7.4 Do Gift Cards have an expiration date? Where can I find it?
Yes, most Gift Cards have an expiration date, which varies significantly depending on the issuing brand. It is essential to check on a case-by-case basis; the expiration date is crucial information and is always clearly indicated:
- On the Gift Card detail page on GiftCardStore before purchase.
- Within the voucher.
7.5 Can I use a Gift Card to purchase another Gift Card?
Generally, it is not possible to use the balance of a Gift Card to purchase another Gift Card from the same or other brands. This is a common restriction applied by most retailers to prevent potential abuse or accounting complications.