Subway will be accepting NFC mobile device payments in over 26,000 of its stores starting on Oct. 1.
The company is working with Softcard, a mobile payments system previously known as Isis, to launch the system. Despite this, a Subway spokesperson said any payment app using NFC will be accepted.
"Softcard has proven to be a valuable partner to us and we are proud to extend our relationship with them," said Carman Wenkoff, Subway chief information officer. "As we've worked together to implement and pilot this technology, we've been impressed with the Softcard team and opportunities available through the Softcard platform. By embracing mobile payments and loyalty with Softcard's SmartTap technology, we're making it easier for customers to enjoy smart choices on the go."
The NFC rollout is one of the largest to date. Apple's new mobile payment system, Apple Pay, was launched last week, with CEO Tim Cook saying that 220,000 stores across the U.S. would accept the system. Subway's announcement increases that figure by over 10 percent.
Softcard is a mobile payment system that is run by AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. It was called "Isis" until recently, but rebranded to avoid bring confused with the Islamic State terrorist group. The Subway deal is the group's largest deal to date.
Subway will be including the Subway Card Rewards Program in the Softcard app, giving consumers a much easier way to collect rewards points. Not only that, but it has also said that it will give $1 cash back on every purchase until the end of the year from customers using its American Express Serve card through the Softcard platform.
"Subway is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry and has placed itself at the forefront of mobile payments with today's announcement," said Softcard CEO Michael Abbot. "We're thrilled to have a great partner in Subway; and we look forward to providing their customers with a simpler, quicker way to pay."
Subway began testing mobile payments through Softcard in Salt Lake City earlier this year.
Mobile payment is becoming more and more popular in recent months, especially with Apple's announcement of Apple Pay. Softcard is just one of many companies that facilitate mobile payments. These companies include eBay, Amazon, and PayPal, who have all come out with mobile apps.
Despite this, there are a number of stores who refuse to buy into the trend. Best Buy and Wal-Mart have both said that they will not support Apple Pay in the near future.
