Kroger Tests Contactless Payment Service In QFC Division

US retailer Kroger has announced that it is testing a contactless payment service in its QFC stores (Quality Food Centres) in Seattle, Washington.

The pilot project will allow customers to use their mobile devices to pay for their purchases in around 61 QFC outlets.

Chris Albi, president of QFC, commented, "QFC is excited to pilot contactless payments powered by NFC technology, providing our customers with an additional way to pay for their fresh food and household essentials."

"The contactless payment solution will help make life easier for many of our customers and provide the freedom of choice among various options, including cash, debit, credit and check."

The Technology

Customers can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, mobile banking apps and contactless chip cards for their payments, Kroger added.

The NFC technology eliminates physical contact in the payment process by using a radio frequency field to transmit data between a mobile device and a PIN pad.

Transactions are processed after shoppers place their mobile device or contactless chip card near the PIN pad.

'Innovative Technologies'

"Kroger continues to invest in innovative technologies that advance the customer experience, including our payment systems," said Kathy Hanna, Kroger's senior director of payments.

"Providing our customers with flexibility – whether that means having the option to choose between shopping in-store or online for groceries or how you pay for them – we are committed to personalising their shopping trip."

The pilot project in QFC stores supports the more than 30 policy and process changes Kroger has implemented since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to promote social distancing and safeguard associates, customers and communities, the retailer said.

It has also introduced other contactless solutions such as Kroger Pay, Scan, Bag, Go and Pickup and Delivery.