Subway will deploy mobile payments nationwide starting Oct. 1 through Softcard, a joint venture of AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA Inc., and Verizon Wireless.
The Milford, Conn.-based franchisor of more than 26,000 restaurants made the announcement as several large chains said they would use Apple Pay, Apple’s new mobile payment platform.
Formerly known as ISIS Wallet, Softcard uses near-field communication (NFC) technology that allows merchants with NFC reader terminals to accept payments.
Subway said it first started working with Softcard in 2013, including tests in Salt Lake City earlier this year.
“Softcard has proven to be a valuable partner to us and we are proud to extend our relationship with them,” Subway chief information officer Carman Wenkoff said in a press release. “As we’ve worked together to implement and pilot this technology, we've been impressed with the Softcard team and opportunities available through the Softcard platform. By embracing mobile payments and loyalty with Softcard's SmartTap technology, we're making it easier for customers to enjoy smart choices on the go.”
Apple iPhone 6 users won’t be able to pay via Softcard, as that phone will only allow Apple Pay. However, Subway said Softcard is available on more than 80 devices and is preloaded on more than 30 devices.
Subway chief information officer Carman Wencoff said Subway also would be using Apple Pay.
“Both forms of payment will work in our restaurants as soon as they are released to the public,” Wencoff said. “Our terminals are compatible with all forms of NFC. Additionally, Softcard is working with Apple to enable the app on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in 2015.”
Subway said it would also use Softcard to offer promotions. Through the end of the year, Softcard users who pay with the app at Subway will receive $1 back on every purchase of more than $1 made with the American Express Serve card. The partnership also will feature a Subway loyalty program, the restaurant company said, adding that Softcard’s SmartTap protocol lets franchisees receive commerce data to their point-of-sales system.
This article has been revised to reflect the following update:
Update: Sept. 16, 2014 This story has been updated with comments from Subway’s chief information officer.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
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