Square is easily one of the most innovative companies the tech world has seen over the past five years. This mobile payment platform allows Square users to accept credit and debit card payments using an iPad. Further, users who download the Square app can pay for items directly through the app at participating retailers. The latest participating retailer is Starbucks. But Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz, has decided to go one step further than implementing Square in Starbucks locations.



Schultz provided Square with $25 million in fourth-round funding. As an incentive, Schultz will now sit on Square’s board of directors. This is business as usual, but it’s also a really huge step forward for Starbucks. Not familiar with the Square platform? Take a look at what Square can do.

Pay Without Actually Paying

Downloading the Square iOS app will essentially eliminate the need to carry cash, debit, or credit cards to your local Starbucks store. Instead, you can choose to pay with Square by linking a credit card to the Square app. You can also check into a store like Starbucks when you arrive at the store. From there, baristas (in the Starbucks case) will see your name and photo, and see that you have checked in. You can then place your order, and pay with your Square app directly through your phone.

To confirm that you have paid, store clerks simply look at your photo and confirm payment. All of these things are amazing features that Square offers. But, maybe even more amazing, is the fact that a local store owner will recognize who you are (and maybe what you order every day) from the moment you check into a place. This way, you can walk in and get your “usual” without even asking. Square seems to be the way that big retailers are going, starting with Starbucks.

Setting Up Square in Starbucks

Square will be available in all Starbucks locations across the U.S. starting today. If you visit the Square website, you can enter your cell phone number, and Square will text you an app download link. From there, you can set up your Square account (totally secure), and proceed with using Square. If you visit Starbucks a lot and are tired of carrying around your wallet when you go, Square will be very useful. Oh, did I mention that you don’t have to tap your phone against anything in order to use Square? All you have to do is tap your app and you are good to go.

It will be interesting to see whether or not Square will cause the use of money to fade. It will also be interesting to see if more people sink further into credit card debt due to a direct withdrawal link. Either way, Square is set to revolutionize mobile payments, and Starbucks will lead the way with Schultz at the helm. If you live in the United States and you are going to visit a Starbucks today, make sure to set up your Square account before you go – this technology will blow you away!