SparkBase is launching a free Android and iPhone app that will allow Chicago-area shoppers to store their loyalty cards on their smart phone, according to Fastcompany.com.
Dubbed ‘PayCloud,’ the new app enables users to locate participating merchants, sign up for their loyalty programs and redeem rewards using just a smart phone - no plastic required.
To use the service, merchants need only attach a PayCloud reader to their main terminal, which interacts with the customers smart phone to automatically redeem loyalty points.
SparkBase says the service uses entirely existing technology, thus offering an alternative to merchants waiting for NFC.
So far 55 Chicago-based merchants have signed up for the program, but SparkBase hopes to expand the network to 200,000 business by 2012.
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