Starbucks announced a nationwide mobile payment app for the iPhone and iPad that extends its Starbucks card and loyalty programs.
Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Brand Loyalty
“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. Mobile payment is just one example of how we’re continually innovating on behalf of our customers to enhance the Starbucks Experience. A growing segment of our customers use smartphones, and through the Starbucks Card Mobile App, we’re providing them with the fastest way to pay.”
Starbucks elected not to wait for NFC payment options and instead relied on barcode scanning and its already established Starbucks card program to roll out the mobile payment option as soon as possible. They stated that they will adopt an NFC system once there is broader adoption and said an Android app was in the works.
Over at the iTunes store things are not as grand. There are many complaints that the app either will not reload or crashes when trying to use the Paypal option to reload the app. There is talk about why there is a separate app from the myStarbucks app and that they should be combined into one app. Many commenters are unhappy with the fact that you have to sign in with your password each time you use the app.
