Solana News Today: Raise Smart Cards Leverages Solana to Modernize $2.3T Gift Card Market

Raise Smart Cards: Building the Future of Digital Gifting

Raise Smart Cards, a project under the Raise Network, has announced plans to build an on-chain gift card and loyalty ecosystem on the Solana blockchain. The project was revealed at the Solana Breakpoint Conference on December 12, 2025, as part of a broader push to leverage blockchain technology for more efficient and scalable reward systems. This development marks a significant shift in the digital gifting and loyalty sectors, where brands like Uber and Fanatics aim to tokenize rewards.

The project aims to use Solana's high-throughput blockchain to enable real-time balance updates and efficient redemption processes. By integrating blockchain infrastructure, Raise Smart Cards is positioning itself to offer lower settlement costs and faster transaction times for merchants and consumers alike. The project is expected to modernize traditional loyalty programs by introducing a more dynamic and transparent system of reward distribution.

The gift card market, both in the U.S. and globally, is undergoing a digital transformation. On Me, a digital gifting platform, recently closed a $6 million seed round to expand its offerings in this space. The round was led by NFX, with participation from pre-seed investors Lerer Hippeau and focal. On Me aims to shift the $450 billion U.S. gift card market away from physical plastic cards toward digital alternatives that can be accessed via Apple Pay and Google Pay. The platform has already facilitated over $2.5 million in gifts across more than 2,000 retailers.

A Convergence of Technology and Consumer Trends

The adoption of digital gifting platforms is being driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. With over 65% of U.S. adults using digital wallets as of 2025, the market is clearly moving toward more convenient, contactless solutions. On Me's platform currently offers over 70 interest-based gift cards that can be used at a wide range of retailers. The company's long-term vision includes expanding beyond physical goods to include gifting experiences like travel and adventure.

Solana's blockchain is well-positioned to support these innovations. The network's high-performance capabilities make it an attractive infrastructure for platforms seeking to tokenize assets and streamline transactions. The Raise Smart Cards project is not the only initiative leveraging Solana's capabilities. R3, a global enterprise software firm, is also set to launch the Corda protocol on the network, which will bring institutional-grade curated yield to Solana. This development underscores the growing interest in blockchain as a platform for both consumer and institutional applications.

Implications for the Market and Investors

The integration of blockchain technology into the gift card and loyalty sectors is not just about convenience-it also introduces new financial opportunities. By tokenizing rewards and gifting options, platforms like Raise Smart Cards and On Me are enabling more programmable and interoperable financial systems. This shift could reduce reliance on traditional financial intermediaries and create more direct value exchanges between consumers and brands.

For investors, the growth of these platforms reflects broader trends in the digital asset space. The Solana network, in particular, is seeing increased adoption across various use cases, from DeFi to enterprise solutions. As the global gift card market is projected to reach $2.31 trillion by 2030, the companies leading the digital transformation stand to benefit significantly.

At the same time, the market environment remains dynamic. Recent developments in crypto markets, including Bitcoin's 5% price jump following remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump on the Federal Reserve, highlight the influence of macroeconomic and policy developments on digital asset performance. While these fluctuations are typical for a volatile market, they also underscore the importance of robust infrastructure and scalable solutions-areas where both Raise Smart Cards and Solana are making a strong case.

Conclusion

The digital gifting and loyalty sectors are undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by blockchain infrastructure and evolving consumer behaviors. With projects like Raise Smart Cards and On Me leading the charge, the traditional reliance on physical cards and legacy systems is being challenged. As these platforms continue to develop and expand their ecosystems, they are likely to shape the future of how consumers interact with brands, rewards, and digital assets.