Starbucks rolls out m-payments across US

Following trials in California and New York, coffee chain Starbucks is rolling out its mobile payments service to nearly 6800 stores across the US.

The chain introduced its Starbucks Card Mobile App for iPhones, iPods and select BlackBerrys in 16 California outlets in 2009, later expanding the trial to 1000 Starbucks in US Target stores and another 300 New York locations.

Now customers at all US stores can pay using the free app which uses a barcode on the handset screen that is held in front of a 2-D scanner on the counter to pay for purchase.

The app also allows customers to manage their card account, reload their balance directly from their smartphone, check their My Starbucks Rewards status and find nearby stores.

Brady Brewer, VP card and brand loyalty, Starbucks, says: "With mobile payment, the Starbucks Card platform further elevates the customer experience by delivering convenience, rewarding loyalty and continuing to build an emotional connection with our customers."

Channels

Retail banking Payments

Keywords

Cards Eftpos Mobile & online banking

Comments: (3)

A Finextra member 19 January, 2011, 11:16

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Well done to Starbucks for being first to roll out the iCoupon.

I can't wait for such innovative payment technology to hit the shores of the poor old backward UK. If only we could just catch up ...

My personal favourite would have to be the iLuncheon Voucher.

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John Dring - Intel Network Services - Swindon 19 January, 2011, 13:31

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Bypasses the Mobile Operator billing account again - means the consumer needs to have yet another account to login to, manage, top-up, etc. Can I pay with a copy of someone else's barcode?? I think I might prefer a prepay card or loyalty card.

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A Finextra member 19 January, 2011, 21:21

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Hats off to Brady Brewer for elevating Marketing Speak to a new level of gobbledegook. Never mind "building an emotional connection" - how about just developing a decent cup of coffee? Another iphone app I won't use, because I never visit Starbucks.