Buy Berkeley Bucks, Save and Support Local Business

BERKELEY, CALIF. (Dec. 6, 2021) -- Berkeley’s first-ever citywide eGift card, Berkeley Bucks are available for online purchase and valid at more than 80 local merchants and restaurants – many offering exclusive discounts to cardholders.

Berkeley Bucks are good at any Berkeley business that accepts Master Card and opts-in to the program, and can be redeemed by the cardholder in person, over the phone or via an online store. No apps, downloads or special technology are required. There are currently more than 80 Berkeley Bucks businesses with more on the way. The mix includes local stores, restaurants, hotels and personal services. For the updated list of participating merchants, check here.

Berkeley Bucks are available for online purchase via Yiftee; credit cards are accepted for payment, with a standard fee of $1 plus 5% of the total value of the gift card. Initially, Berkeley Bucks service fees are waived courtesy of Visit Berkeley. The first 100 customers who buy Berkeley Bucks cards valued at $100 or more will receive a $25 bonus card to use through March 31, 2022.

“Berkeley has a unique mix of local and independent businesses that make this city so vibrant,” said Jeffrey Church, Visit Berkeley’s Visitor and Partner Services Manager. “Berkeley Bucks are designed to keep cash in the community. Now more than ever, it’s important to support local merchants, restaurants and services through the holiday season and well beyond.”

In addition to wonderful ways to purchase locally-sold gifts during the holiday season, Berkeley Bucks make perfect gift cards for friends, family, teachers, and colleagues. Local companies can utilize Berkeley Bucks as employee gifts, customer appreciations, contest awards and more.

“Berkeley Chamber is excited to support Berkeley Bucks. By keeping dollars in the Berkeley economy we can support our small businesses at a time most needed,” said Beth Roessner, Berkeley Chamber CEO.

“I love the idea of Berkeley Bucks! It allows maximum flexibility for the recipient, yet guarantees that the money stays in Berkeley,” said Fern Solomon, proprietor of Berkeley Bucks participant Fern’s Garden on Solano Avenue. “It is a win win for all!”

“Berkeley Bucks are an amazing way to support the local businesses who make Berkeley the amazing one-of-a kind city it is,” said Jeroen Buiks, general manager of the Aiden by Best Western @ Berkeley.

Local professional and corporate organizations are rallying behind the Berkeley Bucks campaign. "We love Berkeley, and we love Berkeley Bucks! They are a great way to support our local merchants. They are also a perfect way for us to welcome our clients, who are new Berkeley residents, to the neighborhood," added Anna Bellomo, founder/realtor at District Homes.

“Berkeley Bucks offer a wonderful opportunity for local corporations to give gifts that benefit the local economy as well as their own employees,” said Lawrence Grown of participating merchant, Metro Lighting.

There is no merchant fee to participate in Berkeley Bucks. Berkeley businesses interested in the program can contact Visit Berkeley’s Jeff Church, jchurch@visitberkeley.com, to sign up.

Visit Berkeley, the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Districts and the Office of Economic Development are working together to support Berkeley-based businesses and “keep cash in the community” through Berkeley Bucks. Bayer, Berkeley’s largest private-sector employer, is the founding sponsor of the Berkeley Bucks initiative.

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