Gift cards are allowable but will be blocked on your FlexCard. You will need to submit a ticket to the FlexCard team to have this block lifted.

Also, keep in mind:

  1. Any purchase of a gift card or certificate for services (such as meals, theater or sporting event tickets, lodging, facials or spa treatments, golf lessons) is subject to withholding as wage income and is taxable.  This applies whether the purchase is for employee recognition, a service anniversary or retirement.
  2. Any purchase of a gift card or certificate of any kind (goods or services) for a service anniversary is subject to withholding as wage income and is taxable.
  3. Any purchase of a gift card or certificate for tangible goods (department or retail stores, VISA gift cards), if for employee recognition or retirement, qualifies as a non-cash award and is not subject to withholding as wage income, if within the allowable thresholds.

For more detailed information please contact us flexcard@bfs.ucsb.edu.