Starbucks Rolls Out Mobile Payments in US
Starbucks has rolled out mobile payments in all US company-operated stores, allowing customers to pay for in-store purchases with select smartphones. Building on the earlier introduction of Starbucks Card Mobile App for select BlackBerry smartphones, iPhone and iPod touch and a successful mobile payment test programme, customers now have access to a fast way to pay at Starbucks. This national programme now includes nearly 6,800 company-operated stores and more than 1,000 Starbucks in US Target locations.
In addition to engaging a loyal base of several million cardholders with the offering, Starbucks anticipates mobile payment will be a draw for customers looking to experience the speed, ease and convenience of paying with their mobile phone. “Today, one in five Starbucks transactions is made using a Starbucks card and mobile payment will extend the way our customers experience and use their Starbucks card,” said Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks card and brand loyalty. “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.”
Customers need to download the free Starbucks Card Mobile App for select BlackBerry smartphones, iPhone or iPod touch mobile devices. More than one-third of US Starbucks customers use smartphones, of which nearly three-quarters use BlackBerry smartphone or iPhone mobile devices. In addition to the mobile payment capability, the app allows customers to manage their Starbucks card account, check their card balance, reload their card with any major credit card (iPhone users can also use the PayPal feature), check their My Starbucks Rewards status and find a nearby Starbucks store with the store locator feature.