Raise is a US-based gift card platform that expanded its operations to the UK. While the concept aims to offer cashback on gift card purchases, its UK launch has been plagued with significant issues.
What is Raise?
Raise is primarily an app designed for buying discounted gift cards, which effectively provides a cashback mechanism. However, its introduction to the UK market has been met with considerable user problems, including account freezes, intrusive identification demands for gift card purchases, and a generally poor user experience.
Raise at a Glance
Our assessment highlights several concerns regarding Raise's current functionality and reliability for UK users.
| Feature | SmartPiggy Rating | Notes |
|---|
| Rates | 1.5/5.0 | Rates can be acceptable, but access is often an issue. |
| Payout Speed | 1.0/5.0 | Payouts are frequently hindered by account locks. |
| Brand Range | 1.5/5.0 | Primarily focused on US brands, with limited relevance for UK shoppers. |
| Reliability | 0.0/5.0 | Numerous reports of account locks during the UK launch. |
| Trust | 0.0/5.0 | The UK launch has been problematic, marked by ID demands and account bans. |
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| SmartPiggy Rating | 1.0/5.0 |
| Year Launched | 2010 |
| Region | UK |
| Minimum Age | 18+ |
| Signup Bonus | None |
| Minimum Cashout | £5 |
| Payout Speed | Not specified, but often delayed by issues. |
| KYC Required | Yes, often intrusive for purchases. |
| Referral Program | None |
| Mobile App | Yes |
What to Consider
- Pros: Currently, there are no significant advantages for UK users given the reported issues.
- Cons: Be aware of documented account locks and demands for extensive personal identification. This platform is not currently considered reliable for use in the UK.
SmartPiggy Verdict
Raise's UK launch has been notably problematic. While the concept of discounted gift cards is appealing, the consistent reports of account locks, intrusive ID verification, and poor user experience mean we cannot recommend it to UK users at this time. It would be advisable to avoid Raise until these significant operational issues are fully resolved.
SmartPiggy