Starbucks Pushes Mobile Payments Into the Mainstream

Starbucks is taking mobile payments nationwide with the rollout of payments by smartphone at more than 7,500 locations.

The payment system builds off a limited trial from last year and has the potential to push mobile payments into the mainstream on a national scale. The system, which Starbucks claims is the largest mobile payment program in the country, works through a Starbucks Card Mobile App, available for iPhone and BlackBerry handsets. The app, which is loaded up with a user’s funds via PayPal or a credit card, displays a barcode which the register processes. After a user waves their phone at a Starbucks register for payment, the funds are subtracted from their Starbucks account.