Target plans to launch mobile payments on its apps this year
Target stores plan to let shoppers pay by using their phones through the company’s apps, according to a story by Recode.
The Minneapolis-based retailer’s chief information and digital officer Michael McNamara told Recode at the National Retail Federation conference that Target planned to introduce mobile payments through one or more of its own apps, rather than through a third party payer like Apple Pay or Android Pay.
Target may choose to add the pay feature to its Cartwheel coupon app or have it on its main app, or possibly both, but the spokesman did not give further details, except to say that any form of Target payment service will only be available to those who have a Target REDcard initially, perhaps using those loyal shoppers as an exclusive trial segment before wider adoption. REDcards are Target debit or credit cards that give shoppers perks like 5% off Target purchases and free shipping.
Currently, shoppers can use Apple Pay as an option for online purchases, but not in store.