---
title: "eCard Systems Gift Card Payments on Handheld 1.0 | SpotOn Express (FOH)"
canonical: "https://help.spoton.com/space/SI/5053644804/eCard%20Systems%20Gift%20Card%20Payments%20on%20Handheld%201.0%20%7C%20SpotOn%20Express%20(FOH)"
format: markdown
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## Overview

Gift card (GC) payments are easy with the Handheld 1.0 scan feature. Scan the QR code on the back of compatible (eCard) gift cards using the handheld camera to redeem or load quickly. Newer handheld versions lack the built-in card swipe (MSR) slot, but this feature keeps the gift card checkout seamless.

**Note:**

- Manual gift card entry is an optional alternative
- No change to gift card flows on Customer Facing Displays (CFD) or POS Stations

> ⚠️ **Known limitations:**
> ⚠️ 
> ⚠️ - Accounts using [Loyalty](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/1066992036/Loyalty+%7C+SpotOn+Merchant+Dashboard) cannot check gift card balances. SpotOn Engineers are working on a solution for this. In the meantime, use the “Cash out” flow to view a gift card balance.
> ⚠️ - Activate, reload, and cash out gift cards separately. The cart must be empty to perform these actions.

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**Quick Links**

> Macro (toc)

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## Redeem Gift Cards with QR Code Scanning

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## Activate and Reload Gift Cards with QR Code Scanning** **

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## Check Gift Card Balance** **

1. Select the Hamburger icon in the upper-left corner of the screen to access the **navigation menu**
2. Select **Gift card balance **
3. When the camera opens, hold the **GC QR code** in front of the handheld's camera (top of the screen)
4. Wait for the handheld to **beep**, then review the balance

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## Frequently Asked Questions 


**Is this Gift Card QR Code Scan to Pay feature only on handhelds?**  
Yes. The Gift Card QR Code Scan to Pay feature is available only on handheld devices. POS terminals will continue to require gift cards to be swiped.

**Is the Gift Card QR Code Scan to Pay feature available on all Express handheld devices?**  
Yes. The Gift Card QR Code Scan to Pay feature is supported on all current handheld hardware versions.

**Do I need to enable anything to use this scan gift card QR feature?**  
No. The Gift Card QR Code Scan to Pay feature launched on and is enabled by default on all Express Handhelds unless your location has disabled gift cards in Dashboard.

**Is there any additional cost to use the scan feature on Handhelds for gift card QR codes?**  
No, there is no additional cost for QR gift card support.

**Why did SpotOn introduce QR code scanning for gift cards?**  
New, improved SpotOn Handheld device versions will exclude the card swipe (MSR) slot, supporting only tap and chip dip. QR scanning offers a fast, reliable way to redeem gift cards without swipe hardware or manual redemption. This is essential for fast-paced environments or locations with high gift card sales.

**How do I redeem a Gift Card on new handheld models that don’t have a card swipe (MSR) slot?**  
Go to Checkout → Select “**Gift Card**” as the payment type → Tap “**Pay**” → Scan the QR code or manually enter the gift card number.

**When does the Handheld camera open?**  
The camera opens automatically when any of the following gift card actions are selected:

- Paying with a gift card
- Activating a gift card
- Reloading a gift card
- Checking a gift card balance
- Cashing out a gift card

**Do all gift cards have QR codes?**  
Yes. All eCard (ECS) gift cards, available for SpotOn Express and RPOS, have a unique QR code printed on the back.

**What if the gift card doesn’t have a QR code?**  
Supported eCard (ECS) gift cards should always include a QR code. Double-check that it is a compatible gift card. Alternatively, try manually entering the gift card number.

**Does the Gift Card QR Code Scan to Pay replace the** **swipe (MSR) gift card redemption?**  
Yes, for handhelds. Swipe (MSR) payments are no longer supported on new handheld versions. SpotOn POS terminals will continue to support swipe payments.

**What if the QR code doesn’t scan?**  
The ability to scan may be affected by environmental lighting or the physical condition of the card. Try to correct these issues by adjusting the angle of the device or nearby lighting. If the Handheld still doesn’t scan, select “Or Manually Enter” displayed under the camera window on the Handheld screen. 

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**Related Articles**

- [Gift Cards | SpotOn Express (FOH)](https://help.spoton.com/space/SK/3446341648/Gift+Cards+%7C+SpotOn+Express+(FOH))