New partnership with Google Play delivers a seamless physical-to-digital funding experience for consumers while generating new payment and foot traffic opportunities for retailers

PLEASANTON, Calif., May 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackhawk Network (BHN^®) has partnered with Google Play to launch a new way for consumers to enjoy their favourite digital apps and games by transacting in physical retail locations to convert real-world cash into digital currency. The partnership is powered by BHN's systems and retail partnerships, and Google Play's digital payments platform. It is due to launch in the middle of 2023 with Lawson Japan.

Consumers begin each transaction using their phones, choose items to purchase, and then complete the transaction by simply presenting a barcode on their phones at a retail store. The cashier at the store scans the unique code on the phone, the customer pays, and the seamless bridge between physical and digital payments is complete, with real-world cash used for a digital purchase. This new service enables a fast seamless payment experience at Lawson.

Through this new program introducing a suite of BHN's payment solutions, BHN is delivering on its goal to help retailers evolve the global in-store experience for the modern consumer, powering the digital transformation. And at the same time, BHN helps Google Play offer its users yet another way to enjoy millions of the latest apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines and more, anytime and anywhere, across their Android devices.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network (BHN) delivers branded payment solutions through the prepaid products, technologies and network that connect brands and people. We collaborate with our partners to innovate, translating market trends in branded payments to increase reach, loyalty, and revenue. We reliably execute security-minded solutions worldwide. Join us as we shape the future of global branded payments. Learn more at BHN.com. For more information, visit blackhawknetwork.com.au.