This article explains how currency conversion works when sending and redeeming Giftronaut Choice Cards.
Overview
By default, all Giftronaut balances and payments are managed in USD.
However, when sending a Choice Card, you may choose to send a reward in a different currency, such as CAD or EUR.
When a reward is sent in a non-USD currency, Giftronaut guarantees the value of that reward based on the exchange rate at the time the reward is sent (i.e., when the order is created).
Sending rewards in different currencies
When sending a Choice Card, you can select the currency you want the recipient to receive.
You may want to specify a currency if:
- You marketed the reward for a specific local amount (for example, 100 CAD)
- You want the recipient to see a guaranteed value in their local currency
- You are sending rewards internationally and want to reduce confusion for recipients
Even when a non-USD currency is selected, your order total and account balance will always remain in USD.
Note: Only supported currencies are available for selection. The list of supported currencies may change over time based on operational and market considerations.
How currency conversion works
1. At the time the reward is sent
When you send a Choice Card in a non-USD currency:
- The selected amount is converted to a fixed USD value using the exchange rate at the time the reward is sent.
- This USD value is deducted from your Giftronaut balance.
- The USD value becomes the fixed value of the Choice Card.
This exchange rate is locked in at the time of sending and does not change afterward.
2. When the recipient redeems the reward
How the value appears to the recipient depends on how the reward is redeemed.
If the recipient redeems a product in the same currency as the reward was sent
- The original sent amount is guaranteed.
- Example:
- You send 100 CAD
- The recipient redeems a Canada-based product
- The recipient receives 100 CAD
If the recipient redeems a product in a different currency
- The fixed USD value is converted into the selected currency using the exchange rate at the time of redemption.
- The resulting amount may differ from real-time exchange rates shown by Google or other sources.
Example:
- You send 100 CAD
- At the time of sending, the value is converted to 80 USD
- Later, the recipient redeems a product in EUR
- The 80 USD is converted to EUR at the redemption-time exchange rate
Why the redeemed amount may differ from Google exchange rates
Google and similar tools typically show real-time, direct currency conversions (for example, CAD to EUR).
Giftronaut uses a different process:
- The reward is converted from the sent currency to USD at the time the reward is sent.
- The fixed USD value is converted to another currency at the time of redemption.
Because:
- Exchange rates change over time
- Different providers use different exchange rate sources
The redeemed amount may differ from what you see on Google.
Important things to know
- Giftronaut balances and payments are always managed in USD.
- Only the USD value of a Choice Card is fixed at send time.
- Local currency value is guaranteed only when redeeming a product in the same currency as the reward was sent.
- Exchange rate differences caused by timing or provider variation are part of the normal operation of international rewards.
- Minimum and maximum amounts
- Choice Cards have minimum and maximum allowed amounts that are applied based on the USD value of the reward, regardless of the selected currency.
- If the amount you enter falls outside the allowed USD range after conversion, the reward cannot be sent and you will be asked to adjust the amount.
Refunds and currency conversion
Refunds are processed in USD, based on the original USD amount deducted when the reward was sent.
- Refund amounts are not recalculated using current exchange rates.
- Any exchange rate differences are handled internally by Giftronaut.
Summary
- You can send Choice Cards in supported local currencies.
- The reward’s USD value is fixed at the time it is sent.
- Currency limits and formatting rules are applied based on USD value.
- Redeeming in a different currency converts that USD value at redemption time.
- Giftronaut manages exchange rate differences as part of operating international rewards.
Need help?
If you have questions about currency conversion or reward values, please contact our support team at support@giftronaut.com.