Free money for shopping at Sacramento stores? Here’s how to get a $25 gift card
The city of Sacramento’s gift card program is back and ready to award people who shop locally this summer.
Under the Shop 916 program, shoppers who spend at least $25 on electric gift cards to more than 100 participating Sacramento businesses can get more gift cards for free, the city said a Wednesday, May 14, news release.
Those bonus gift cards can be used at any participating business in the city.
Here’s how to get them:
What is Shop 916 program in Sacramento?
The city’s Shop 916 gift card program began in December 2021 to help support local retailers that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Sacramento Bee archives.
“The Shop 916 gift card is the perfect way to celebrate special occasions with a gift while receiving extra spending money to shop locally,” said Valerie Mamone, the city’s project development manager, said in the release.
To date, more than $1 million of Shop 916 gift and bonus cards have been redeemed in the city of Sacramento, according to the release.
Which Sacramento businesses are participating in 2025?
Approximately 121 local businesses are participating in the Shop 916 program, including restaurants, dessert shops, clothing boutiques and fitness centers, according to the program’s website.
Participating businesses include:
Acheson Wine Company, 1629 19th St. in Sacramento
Bamboo Noodle House, 6070 Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento
CASA de ESPANOL, 1101 R St. in Sacramento
Crawford’s Books, 5301 Freeport Blvd. Suite 200 in Sacramento
Humani Pilates, 2760 21st St. in Sacramento
Impound Comics, 405 K St., Suite 115, in Sacramento
Ink and Image, 1115 Front St. in Sacramento
Sacramento History Museum, 101 I St. in Sacramento
Underground Mini Golf, 1028 Second St. in Lower Sacramento
How much are free gift cards worth?
Customers who buy a $25 e-gift card at a participating business online via the Shop 916 website will get a $10 gift card for free, according to the program site.
People who buy a $50 gift card will get a $25 bonus gift card for free.
How many free gift cards can I get?
You can get up to three free gift cards for spending money at participating businesses, the city said.
How long does free gift card offer last?
The city’s free gift card offer began May 1 and lasts until Thursday, July 31.
The bonus gift cards must be used by Sunday, Aug. 31.
Regular electronic gift cards purchased by shoppers do not expire, the city said.
How to buy e-gift cards
You can buy electronic gift cards at the Shop 916 site.
Customers can choose to purchase gift cards starting from $5 to $50 and have the opportunity to customize the amount as well.
How can local business owners sign up?
Nearly all businesses within Sacramento city limits that have 500 or fewer full-time employees are eligible to participate for the city’s Shop 916 program.
The exceptions are home-based businesses, franchises, liquor-only stores and cannabis businesses, according to the site.
Business owners can sign up at shop916local.com.
This story was originally published May 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
