Giftme expands into travel for local users and the diaspora

Jamaican fintech company Giftme is expanding beyond digital payments and rewards with the launch of Giftme Travel, a move that could make it easier for members of the Jamaican diaspora to book trips home while earning rewards through a single digital platform.

The new service was unveiled during Giftme's fifth anniversary celebration at the AC Hotel Kingston on June 23, where the company also marked a series of business milestones that highlight the growth of Jamaica's digital commerce sector.

For Jamaicans living overseas, travel home remains one of the largest annual expenses. By adding flight and accommodation bookings to its platform, Giftme is positioning itself to capture a larger share of that travel spending while offering cashback rewards that can be used across its growing merchant network.

Giftme began as a digital gift card platform and has since grown into a commerce and rewards ecosystem that allows users to pay in stores, top up mobile phones, pay bills, order ahead for pickup, purchase digital gift cards and now book travel.

"When we launched Giftme, the goal was simple: to build a platform that created real value for Jamaican consumers and merchants," the company said during the anniversary celebration. "Five years later, we're proud to celebrate not only our own growth, but also the success of the merchant partners who have helped shape our journey and reached remarkable milestones through the platform.

"The launch of Giftme Travel marks the next chapter for Giftme as we continue creating innovative ways for consumers to earn more value while helping local businesses grow."

The company said it has processed more than J$4.5 billion in transactions since its launch, facilitated the sale of more than 700,000 gift cards and built a network of more than 400 merchant partners and 600 corporate clients. It also reports serving more than 65,000 monthly active users.

Giftme's expansion comes at a time when digital commerce continues to gain momentum in Jamaica, with businesses increasingly embracing online payment solutions and rewards programs to attract and retain customers.

The anniversary event also highlighted the role merchant partnerships have played in the platform's growth. Progressive Grocers received the Platinum Award after surpassing J$500 million in sales through Giftme.

Gold Awards were presented to Fesco, HiLo Food Stores, Island Grill and 7Krave for each exceeding J$100 million in sales on the platform. Silver Awards went to Fontana, Fresh Approach, Starbucks, Grab N' Go and MegaMart after each surpassed J$50 million in sales.

Beyond its consumer offerings, Giftme has also expanded its business-to-business services, providing companies with self-service gifting solutions, corporate cards, employee birthday clubs and incentive campaigns designed to reward staff and customers.

For the Jamaican diaspora, the platform could offer greater convenience in managing spending connected to home. Whether purchasing gift cards for relatives, paying bills from overseas or now booking flights and accommodations for visits to Jamaica, the company is steadily building a single digital ecosystem designed to connect consumers with businesses across the island.

As Jamaica's fintech industry continues to mature, Giftme's latest expansion signals growing confidence in locally developed digital solutions that are increasingly serving both residents and Jamaicans abroad, strengthening the economic ties between the island and its global diaspora.