As COVID-19 has accelerated the trend away from cash payments to mobile and other contactless methods, Starbucks and 7-Eleven have both expanded their mobile payment options.
Starbucks Reward members using the company’s mobile app will be able to earn rewards, which Starbucks calls stars, when they pay with cash, credit and debit cards or mobile wallets. Previously, only Reward members using the prepaid Starbucks Card were eligible to earn stars.
Members using these pre-loaded payments will continue to have an advantage, earning two stars for every dollar spent, as opposed to one star for every dollar spent when other payment methods are used.
“Our customers have shared with us that they would like more options to pay and earn Stars in the app as a Starbucks Rewards member, in addition to the Starbucks Card,” said Brady Brewer, Starbucks CMO in a statement.
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7-Eleven is now offering customers the option to order and pay for items for at-store pickup through its proprietary 7NOW delivery app.
“The new pickup option on our 7NOW delivery app is an example of how we’re meeting customer’s needs to be in and out of stores quickly with minimal touch points and increased physical distancing, while also making life a little easier,” said Chris Tanco, COO in a statement.
Customers can track the progress of their orders through the app, from picking and packing to “ready for pickup.” For security, app users will be provided with a 4-digit code to show to the store associate when they pick up their orders.
The convenience store chain also is expanding the availability of its delivery service, from approximately 35 million households in nearly 400 cities to 60 million households in more than 1,300 cities.
