Gift Cards

Overview

The Katalyst POS supports Katalyst-issued gift cards, including activating new cards, checking balances, adjusting balances (for authorized staff), and accepting gift card payments. This guide covers all gift card operations available to staff and managers from the POS.

Prerequisites

• The Gift Cards payment method must be configured in back office under Settings → Payments.
• For card swipe, a card reader must be assigned as the Default Payment Device on this tablet.
• Balance adjustments require a staff permission to adjust gift card balances.

Checking a Gift Card Balance

1. Tap the Menu (≡) icon and go to Settings → Gift Cards & Loyalty → Gift Card Balance.

2. The screen displays the prompt: "Enter gift card number to check value".

3. Enter the gift card number using the numeric keypad, or:

   • Tap Scan With Camera to scan the card's barcode using the iPad camera.
   • Tap Scan With Scanner to use an attached barcode scanner.
   • Select a Payment Device and tap Swipe Card to read the card number via the card reader.

4. Tap Check Gift Card.

5. The screen shows the card status and balance:

   • Active — the card is valid and the current balance is displayed in green.
   • Gift Card (with $0 balance) — the card exists but has no remaining funds.
   • Invalid Gift Card — the number entered does not match a valid card.

6. To print the balance, tap Print Balance (available when the card is active).

Adjusting a Gift Card Balance

Balance adjustments are only available to staff whose role has permission to adjust gift card balances.

1. Navigate to Settings → Gift Cards & Loyalty → Balance Adjustment.
2. Look up the card using the same steps as checking a balance.
3. Once the card shows Active, the New Balance field and Adjust button appear.
4. Enter the new balance amount using the numeric keypad.
5. Tap Adjust.
6. Confirm the adjustment on the confirmation screen that follows.

Activating a New Gift Card

1. Navigate to Gift Card Activation (accessible from the Gift Cards & Loyalty section or from the check when a gift card sale is added as a check item).
2. Choose the activation type from the segment control at the top:

1. Fill in the required fields:

1. Tap Activate Card to complete the activation.

Accepting a Gift Card as Payment

See the POS Payment Processing guide for the full process of applying a gift card as payment on a check.

Troubleshooting

"Invalid Gift Card" when checking balance

The card number does not match any active Katalyst gift card. Verify the card number was entered correctly. If the card was issued by a different provider or platform, it cannot be checked through this screen.

Swipe Card button is not responding

Confirm a Payment Device is selected in the dropdown above the button. The selected device must be active and connected.

Balance Adjustment section is not visible

Your staff role does not have permission to adjust gift card balances. Ask a manager to grant this permission in the back office staff settings if needed.

Activate Card button is not saving

Confirm all required fields are filled in. For single card activations, a valid card number and beginning balance are required. For e-card only, an email address is required.