Blackhawk Network provides expanded capabilities including verifying the gift card is active and checking its balance. With these capabilities integrated with the existing Google Wallet platform, users also have access to exclusive promotions.

"Blackhawk is excited to add our gift card technology into the Google Wallet and work closely with Google, who is a leader in developing products that are innovative and solve real consumer needs," said Tomas Campos, Blackhawk Network general manager of online, mobile and emerging products. "With expanded capabilities, Google Wallet customers will have the ease of conveniently managing and redeeming gift cards directly from their mobile device."

It's as easy as upload and shop. To upload, Google Wallet users can take a picture of their cards using their phone's camera or by manually entering the card number and pin. Electronic gift cards can also be saved directly to their Google Wallet by clicking "Save to Google." Consumers can then show their phone to the cashier at checkout to redeem their gift card at participating locations. For certain gift cards, users can check their balance in real-time and receive reminders to use their gift cards when they are near stores.