McDonald’s France launches mobile payment option
PARIS, Aug 21 — In a move meant to shave off even more wait time, the largest burger chain in the world has teamed up with PayPal to offer mobile payment services that allow customers to place their order and pay for their meal, all on their smartphone.
McDonald’s has been aggressively expanding its McCafé line as a more economical alternative to the premium Starbucks brand. —AFP picThe new service, which is being tested out in 30 McDonald’s locations in France, comes just weeks after Starbucks teamed up with start-up company Square Inc, another mobile payment platform which will be used to process all mobile transactions in the US in a bid to accelerate service, reports Reuters.
In France, after placing an order and paying via PayPal on their smartphone, customers can pick up their McDonald’s meal in a separate line. PayPal is owned by eBay.
Though the burger chain is piloting the system in dozens of restaurants in France, the move is widely seen as a strategic step to rival Starbucks and one that is poised to expand across the chain.
McDonald’s has been aggressively expanding its McCafé line as a more economical alternative to the premium Starbucks brand.
Meanwhile, Dunkin’ Donuts also offers a mobile app that allows users to buy a coffee for a friend. — AFP/Relaxnews
