Attract and retain GIG Workers with faster payments
Speed matters in the GIG economy, and 66% of GIG workers say they’d choose a company that offers instant payments via Prepaid Cards over waiting 1–3 days for a bank transfer (Visa study*).
Our experience shows that when given the option, 50% of GIG workers prefer prepaid cards, such as a Corporate Prepaid Visa or Mastercard, for faster, more flexible access to earnings. Offer GIG economy payment solutions that keep workers engaged and coming back.
What is a GIG worker?
A GIG Worker is an individual contractor who performs temporary, part-time, casual or freelance work, either on an on-demand basis or for a specified duration.
Industries who work with GIG workers include:
- Hospitality & events staff
- Personal trainers
- Tradesmen
- Graphic designers
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Removalists
- Delivery services
- Taxis
- Hire cars
- Cleaning services
- Fruit picking
- Courier services
Why do 50% of GIG workers prefer a Mastercard digital or combined digital and plastic Prepaid Card?
GIG workers experience volatility in terms of pay and benefits and are financially vulnerable. There is a growing demand for Real-Time Disbursements—a key pain point for GIG workers.
With Digital Prepaid Mastercards, GIG workers receive instant payment on prepaid cards and can use their funds immediately. No 1-3 day delays like traditional bank transfers.
No bank account fees. Bank accounts with a debit card attached cost around $60+ a year^.
No need for a bank account and a 100-point check.
Keeps this earning separate to other income.
Safer than cash.
Digital is their preferred medium. Many gig workers see themselves as digital nomads.
The importance of offering incentives and rewards to GIG Workers
In the fast-paced GIG economy, GIG workers expect speed, convenience and control. Prepaid cards provide an instant, secure and flexible way to pay GIG workers, without the delays associated with traditional banking. With options for instant delivery via SMS or email, these cards ensure fast access to funds and allow recipients to spend securely instore or online wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Companies operating in the GIG economy are increasingly choosing prepaid cards as an efficient way to manage payments. They help reduce administrative burden, improve transparency and meet the expectations of today’s mobile workforce.
Why Prepaid Cards are ideal for incentives and rewards
Beyond fast payments, GIG workers also value incentives and rewards as recognition of their contributions and an additional source of financial security. Prepaid cards are a powerful way to deliver these rewards.
Single-load Mastercard Prepaid Cards offer:
- A tangible reward workers can use to treat themselves
Wide acceptance instore and online wherever Mastercard is accepted - Trophy value. Cash gifts that can easily dissolve into everyday spend.
- Instant delivery options via SMS or email for timely recognition
- Easy distribution and management through your client portal
Custom-branded card options to keep your business front of mind
For ongoing programs, reloadable GIG economy prepaid cards can also support recurring incentives, ideal for driving continued engagement and performance.
Corporate Prepaid Cards designed for GIG Workers
We offer tailored prepaid card programs designed specifically for the GIG economy. Our Reloadable Mastercard Prepaid Cards provide a fast and secure way to pay GIG workers instantly, without needing a traditional bank account.
Employers can load earnings directly through our easy-to-use client portal, giving workers immediate access to their pay. These GIG worker prepaid cards are ideal for:
- Daily or weekly GIG earnings
- Expense reimbursements
- One-off rewards for milestones or special occasions
- Performance bonuses
- Referral or sign-on incentives
For employers, this means no need to collect bank details or 100pt checks. For workers, it means quick access to their earnings, ready to use anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Why do GIG Economy Companies offer Digital Prepaid Cards?
- Improves retention of GIG workers. The study by Visa found that 70% of GIG workers would do more work if they were paid faster.
- Makes their company stand out by offering real time payments via a Digital Prepaid Mastercard.
Employers can choose from:- Reloadable Cards for ongoing payments
- Single-load Cards for ad-hoc payments or expense reimbursement
- No chasing of bank account details, saving admin time.
- Enhances their reputation. Generation X and Z increasingly evaluate working for, and buying from companies based on the values of the company.
- Streamline and simplify the payment options.
- Easy to use Client Portal. Employers can easily manage their tailored card program.
- It is simple and minimal administration required. Simply give the GIG worker a choice of payment to their bank account or to a Digital (and Plastic) Prepaid Mastercard.
- Drive brand loyalty with a branded prepaid card. They are reminded of you every time they use their card.
^Source: Debit Card Surcharge Fees
Prepaid Cards are the preferred GIG Economy Payment Solution
Prepaid cards for GIG workers go beyond simple payments, they’re a full GIG economy payment solution. By combining instant payments, flexible rewards, easy expense management, and secure transactions, they benefit both workers and employers.
Workers get faster, easier access to their earnings and rewards
Employers improve retention, simplify admin, and enhance their employer brand
Make your company stand out and attract talented GIG workers by offering the choice of payment
to their bank account or their Digital Prepaid Mastercard.