Starbucks expands mobile payments to 1,000 stores

Starbucks has expanded the mobile payment capability on its Starbucks Card mobile iPhone application to 1,000 stores nationwide.

Starbucks began testing the app last fall, when it released the iPhone payment tool in 16 stores in the Seattle metropolitan area and Northern California. Consumers can also use the mobile payment capability at Starbucks outlets in Target stores.

Consumers can download gift cards and reload balances via their iPhones to pay for products, according to a statement from Starbucks. A company representative could not be immediately reached for comment.

Last December, Starbucks launched the My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program, combining its Starbucks Card Rewards and Starbucks Gold initiatives.