Shift4 Dine Gift Card Conversion

Updated: June 8, 2026

When helping a merchant transition to Shift4 Dine, converting their existing gift card program is a critical step in the onboarding process. This guide outlines the procedures, requirements, and best practices for successful gift card conversion.

Overview

Gift card conversion allows merchants switching to Shift4 Dine to migrate their existing gift card balances and programs from previous POS systems (such as Clover, Toast, or Square) to the Shift4 Dine platform. The process ensures continuity for merchants and their customers who hold active gift cards.

Key Steps in the Gift Card Conversion Process

Step 1: Obtain a Physical Gift Card

Before leaving the merchant meeting, the rep should obtain a blank physical gift card from the merchant. This card will be used by Shift4 for testing and validation during the conversion process.

Step 2: Obtain Gift Card Data from the Previous System

The merchant must provide a CSV file containing current gift card numbers and balances. This file is often referred to as a "merchant liability report," though the specific name may vary depending on the previous POS system. Shift4 requires a clean CSV file with only the card data (card numbers and balances).

Step 3: Complete the Gift Card Conversion Form

The rep must complete the Shift4 Gift Card Conversion Form, which serves as a cover sheet providing context such as merchant name and business information. This form does not contain the actual gift card numbers—those are submitted separately in the CSV file.

Step 4: Submit Both Documents Together

Both the completed Gift Card Conversion Form and the clean CSV file with current gift card data must be submitted together to Shift4 for processing.

Important Formatting Considerations

Watch Out for Scientific Notation

Downloaded CSV files from certain systems (particularly Clover) can sometimes display card numbers in scientific notation format (e.g., 1.23E+15). This format is not acceptable to the Shift4 programming team and will cause delays in processing.

Mac Users and Clover Data

If using a Mac to download gift card data from Clover, the file may open in Numbers format. This can be exported cleanly to CSV format. Reps should always double-check that the CSV contains plain text numbers (not scientific notation) before submitting to Shift4.

System-Specific Considerations

Clover Gift Card Conversion

Clover conversions present unique challenges that reps should be aware of:

Blank or unused Clover gift cards (even if physically in hand) cannot be converted to Shift4 Dine
Merchants must order new Shift4 Dine gift cards through Shift4
Merchants should order new gift cards at least two weeks in advance of their reopening or go-live date to avoid delays in their ability to sell gift cards
While active gift cards that have been sold and loaded with funds can be converted, blank cards cannot be reused from Clover

Toast Gift Card Conversion

Toast typically tracks both active and blank gift cards in the system. The switchover from Toast is generally easier, and blank Toast gift cards can often be used if those blank cards are accounted for in the liability report.

Square Gift Card Conversion

To access a gift card liability report in Square, the merchant should navigate to the online Square Dashboard or Square Point of Sale app, go to "Reports," and select "Gift Cards." The merchant can refine the date range and export the report as either "Gift Card Details" (which provides information on each card, including balance and transaction history) or "Gift Card Summary" (which provides a consolidated view).

Physical Card Submission Process

Standard Process: Mail Physical Card

The standard process involves physically mailing a gift card to Shift4 for testing and validation. This helps Shift4 confirm that the card data transfers correctly into the new system.

Shipping Recommendation

Reps should use USPS Priority Mail (2–3 day delivery) with tracking information. Response from Shift4 typically occurs within about one week of sending. Tracking is essential to ensure Shift4 receives the card.

Rush Option: No Physical Card Available

If time is limited and a test card cannot be mailed in time, Shift4 can process a rush conversion without the physical card. In this case:

The rep should inform Shift4 that a rush conversion is being requested
The rep must provide the unmasked liability report (a full export of gift card numbers and balances from the old system)
Shift4 can proceed based on that data alone

Critical Follow-Up and Communication

Ensure Receipt of Communications

Reps should never assume that emails sent to the gift card department have been received or acted upon. If there are issues such as duplicates in the spreadsheet or other questions requiring resolution, the rep should follow up by phone to confirm the message was received and addressed.

Verify Conversion Before Install Day

Reps must always double-check that the gift card conversion is successful before the merchant's install day. This prevents disruption to the merchant's business operations.

Take Ownership

The responsibility for ensuring successful gift card conversion rests with the rep. Reps should take proactive steps to track progress and resolve any issues that arise during the conversion process.

Pro Tips for Enhanced Merchant Experience

Custom Gift Card Design

Reps can create a more meaningful experience for merchants by designing custom gift cards:

Pull the restaurant logo from the merchant's website or a Google search
Upload the logo to Canva as a business card size
Export it as a JPG file using the transparent background feature
Upload the logo into Shift4Gift for the merchant
Order the gift cards with the custom logo
Add the merchant's address and phone number to the gift card design

This approach is much more meaningful for merchants than receiving generic gift cards with no restaurant name or branding.

Timeline and Capacity Considerations

During busy seasons (particularly the holiday season), the Shift4 gift card team can process approximately 5 gift card imports per day. Reps should plan accordingly and submit conversion requests well in advance of critical dates.

Forms and Resources

Required Forms

Gift Card Conversion Form (available through Shift4 resources)
CSV liability report from the previous POS system

Please not that the shipping address for all test gift cards and forms has been updated effective immediately.

New Shipping Address: 4730 Hanoverville Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

For reference, the Gift Card Conversion Form can be found HERE which will be updated as soon as possible with the new address.

If you have questions, please reach out to the gift card team via email: giftcardteamshift4@shift4.com

Additional Information

For detailed step-by-step instructions and access to forms, reps should refer to the Equip Shift4 Resources page and the Pre-Launch Process documentation.

Summary

Successful gift card conversion requires careful attention to data formatting, system-specific considerations, and proactive communication with Shift4. By following these guidelines and taking ownership of the process, reps can ensure a smooth transition for merchants and their customers.