Advertisement

CurrentC Launch Potentially Delayed Beyond 2015

currentcCurrentC, the mobile payments app created by the Merchant Customer Exchange (MCX), may not launch in 2015 as initially planned, according to Brian Mooney, CEO of MCX, in an interview with Re/code.

The app, which is positioned as a key competitor for Apple Pay, Google’s Android Pay and Samsung Pay, will begin a public pilot in Columbus, Ohio within “a few weeks,” according to Mooney.

CurrentC is designed to be compatible with all smartphone models, allowing shoppers to pay with an app instead of a payment card or cash. However, unlike its competitors, CurrentC doesn’t let users pay with traditional credit cards. Currently, users only can pay for goods with gift cards, private label store cards or using a checking account. The service could enable support for credit cards in the future, but no timetable has been set.

Advertisement

Previously, MCX retailers such as Rite Aid, Target and Walmart, showed unwavering support for CurrentC. But now, it appears that these retailers are increasingly opening up to other payment options as their exclusivity agreements expire in August. For example, MCX members Rite Aid and CVS recently reinstated Apple Pay 10 months after disabling the service. Other members such as Best Buy and Dunkin Donuts plan to roll out the service later this year.

Mooney anticipates that CurrentC will be very competitive due to the large footprint of participating merchants, which also includes 7-Eleven, Gap, Kohl’s and Sears. In total, the companies process more than $1 trillion in annual transactions and expect to roll out CurrentC to 110,000 locations across the U.S.

Featured Event

View the Retail Trendcaster Webinar Series on-demand to uncover key 2025 retail trends, from AI and personalization to social commerce. Gain expert insights, data-driven predictions, and actionable takeaways to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Retail Trendcaster Webinar Series
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Uncovering What’s Next in Retail

On-Demand Limited Video Series

Q1 is a pivotal time for retail, with experts analyzing holiday sales and forecasting trends. View the full lineup of the Retail Trendcaster video series for insights on consumer spending, AI, personalization, social commerce, and more—helping you focus on what truly matters in 2025.

Brought to you by
Retail TouchPoints
Access Now
Retail TouchPoints is a brand of Emerald X LLC. By clicking the button and submitting information, you acknowledge and agree that your information may be shared with corporate affiliates of Emerald X LLC, and other organizations such as event hosts, speakers, sponsors, and partners. Please read our Privacy Policy and our Terms Of Use for more information on our policies.

Access The Media Kit

Interests:

Access Our Editorial Calendar




If you are downloading this on behalf of a client, please provide the company name and website information below: