While cash or checks may be the obvious choice to attract potential participants to a clinical trial, the better choice is a reloadable payment card. Cash and paper currency are difficult to track, while checks are a one-time payment that can be time-consuming to issue repeatedly over the course of longer studies. Reloadable payment cards, on the other hand, are tangible incentives that are versatile, customizable and easy to use for study participants.

A reloadable incentive card works just like a debit card as participants can use it for purchases online, in stores or over the phone.  Unlike cash or checks, the card can be reloaded multiple times over the course of a study, making it easy for participants to receive and spend their funds over time.

Useful and enjoyable

With a reloadable incentive card, participants can conveniently use their reward funds to cover daily expenses, ensuring they aren’t limited by merchants or service providers that have moved away from cash transactions. This flexibility allows participants to apply their funds toward the bills and services that matter most in their lives.

In addition, reloadable incentive cards are ideal for unbanked and underbanked consumers. Providing a check isn’t practical for these individuals since they may not have access to traditional banking services to cash or deposit the check. In contrast, a reloadable incentive card offers a convenient solution, allowing recipients to access their reward funds anywhere debit cards are accepted.

Ultimately, reloadable incentive cards enable participants to splurge on an enjoyable experience or item they normally wouldn’t buy, which will help encourage them to stay actively involved throughout the course of a study.

The Participant Perks Card

Given these compelling reasons, clinical research organizations should consider the Participant Perks Card from InComm InCentives. Participant Perks is a reloadable incentive card created specifically for individuals participating in clinical trials and research studies. The card provides a simple, flexible way for study sponsors and research organizations to deliver compensation or incentives to participants without the burden of handling cash, mailing checks or managing other laborious fulfillment tasks.

The Participant Perks Card offers a wide range of benefits for study organizers and participants alike, including:

• Simplifies website operations: Secure digital tools replace manual tasks, reducing administrative burden and freeing staff to focus on their research.
• Reduces costs: Removes the expenses from printed checks, lost mail and reconciliation errors.
• Improves participant experience: Reloadable prepaid cards boost satisfaction and retention.
• Supports the underbanked: Flexible payment options increase accessibility for populations without traditional banking accounts.
• Widely accepted: Visa-branded cards work online, in stores and at ATMs (if enabled).
• Enhances oversight: Offers real-time reporting that drives visibility, compliance and financial control.
• Enables tax reporting: Optional 1099 support ensures compliance.
• Elevates corporate identity: Organizations can select white-label options to enhance their brand recognition and raise awareness.

Excels in many scenarios

InComm InCentives’ Participant Perks Card makes rewarding participants easy, efficient and impactful and can be employed across a wide range of scenarios. During longitudinal trials, organizations can reward participants after each visit or reload their cards after reaching specific milestones. For remote studies, the card is available digitally and can be reloaded remotely.  Finally, to keep participants engaged, the card could be used to incentivize appointments or to reimburse travel expenses.

Reward commitment

Clinical trial organizations face significant barriers in their recruitment efforts, including asking participants to take time off, attend multiple appointments, complete lengthy questionnaires and commit to a long-term trial. But there is a solution. InComm InCentives’ Participant Perks Card can be a powerful remedy as it gives participants an immediate sense of accomplishment, a physical reminder of their effort and streamlined ways to encourage willing collaboration with researchers throughout the course of a study.

Click here to explore how our Participant Perks Card can streamline your study.