Square Picks Up Starbucks for New Wallet App

Starting in early November, coffee drinkers will be able to use the Square Wallet app on their iPhone or Android smartphone at Starbucks. This is the first national chain for Square’s new app, and it’s a big win for the company as it expands its mobile payment business. Still, with many Starbucks customers already using Starbucks’ own app to pay for their coffees, you have to wonder how many will opt for Square Wallet.

Square is known for its Square Card Reader, which is a small device that plugs into your smartphone and lets you accept credit cards. Square provides a service that lets you process transactions, even if you’re not a traditional business. It’s a hit with everyone from small, service-based companies to people holding garage sales.

Square Wallet, on the other hand, is an app designed to let you pay with your smartphone. It also alerts you to local businesses you may like, helps you collect rewards, and provides maps for tracking down your local Starbucks and other stores.

In related news, Starbucks plans to make tipping available for both its own app and Square Wallet by the summer of 2013.