Flash has recently launched in the United States, offering American customers a convenient way to track and manage all their online purchases in one place. This payment management service allows users to earn rewards like gift cards and cashback while simplifying their online shopping experience.
The decision to enter the U.S. market was strategic, considering the country’s significant online shopping activity. According to the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce, online shopping in the U.S. generated approximately $291.6 billion in the second quarter of 2024, contributing to a total retail sales volume of around $1.8 trillion. With the global e-commerce market projected to exceed $6 trillion this year, Flash’s expansion into the U.S. comes at an opportune time.
Previously only available in India, Flash is now accessible for download on iOS and Android devices in the U.S. The app allows users to consolidate all their online purchases, track shipments, store receipts, and review their entire order history for the year. By syncing their email accounts with the app, users can gain valuable insights into their spending habits, categorizing expenses into different areas such as shopping, travel, food, groceries, and entertainment. This feature can help users budget effectively and make informed decisions about their purchases.
Moreover, Flash offers rewards to users who place orders through its brand partners, including popular names like Amazon, Booking.com, Doordash, Instacart, Target, and Walmart. By earning points for each order, users can redeem them for gift cards ranging from $5 to $100. The app’s free version awards 10 points per order and 100 points for flights and hotels, while the paid plan allows users to earn five times the number of points.
For an annual fee of $49, users can upgrade to the Flash Plus plan, which provides additional benefits such as a dedicated shopping-related email ID, AI-powered spam protection, advanced tracking features, and more. Founded by Ranjith Boyanapalli, a former senior vice president at Flipkart, Flash originated from the founder’s personal experience of being inundated with promotional emails from various brands. Recognizing the need for a centralized platform to manage shopping-related communication, Boyanapalli created Flash to streamline the online shopping experience.
With over one million active users in India, Flash has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and effective management of online purchases. The expansion into the U.S. market marks a significant milestone for the company, which has already tested its app with around 200 beta users. As the holiday season approaches, Flash aims to scale up its operations and cater to the growing demand for streamlined online shopping experiences.
Looking ahead, Flash plans to introduce a global version of the app in mid-June 2025, along with raising new capital to support its expansion in the U.S. market. While the subscription offering is exclusive to the U.S. currently, the company may explore alternative revenue models in the future. As Flash continues to evolve and grow, it remains committed to providing users with a seamless and rewarding online shopping experience.
