I feel it’s as a consequence of some odd societal motive why we purchase reward playing cards. (Within the US).
Give somebody money = wow, you don’t care about me in any respect. You gave this reward no thought, simply grabbed some cash on the ATM. you’re an asshole.
Give somebody a present card = You already know me so properly! You set all this thought into getting me a present card from a spot I routinely go, or may have to go! I really feel so beloved and treasured!
It silly as hell and all of us fall for the social peer stress.