Abstract: A transaction card product comprising a transaction card, an account identifier, a security panel, and an activation code. The account identifier uniquely links the transaction card to a remote account having a balance value available for redemption toward one or more of goods or services. The security panel is coupled to the transaction card and substantially entirely covers the account identifier. The security panel is configured to be at least partially removed from a remainder of the transaction card product to permit access to the account identifier. The activation code has data therein to prompt a point-of-sale terminal to begin a transaction card activation process, the activation code having a first portion directly secured to and extending over the security panel, wherein the activation code is characterized by an absence of any data directly identifying the remote account.