Roger Fingas
CurrentC, the MCX-developed mobile payment platform backed by a number of major U.S. retailers, will reportedly see an initial trial run in August, signaling that the service is finally approaching a public launch.
That trial will be limited, three sources explained to Bloomberg, although they did not mention details. A spokeswoman for one company in the MCX consortium, Lowe's, said that a CurrentC app should launch sometime in the September quarter. MCX COO Scott Rankin confirmed only that tests are beginning this year and that the consortium is "making good progress" on the app.
"We expect there to be more than one successful player in mobile payments, and we expect to be one of them," he added.
CurrentC was created as a way for retailers to reduce fees paid to credit card comanies and other financial services, and has the backing of businesses like Best Buy, Walmart, CVS, and Wendy's. The service should also allow retailers to hold on to customer data, something they stand to lose if other mobile payment platforms catch on.
It faces several serious problems however, such as a potential lack of confidence — owing to a 2014 security breach — and no support for credit or debit cards other than store-issued ones. The only alternative will be giving MCX direct access to a checking account.
The biggest barrier is likely to be rival mobile payment platforms, above all Apple Pay and Android Pay. The former has already gained significant traction, and Android Pay will be available alongside the next version of Android, launching later this year. Since the platforms are being integrated into popular mobile devices, there may be little reason to install CurrentC unless a favorite retailer simply isn't accepting alternatives.
MCX did impose three-year exclusivity agreements on participating merchants, but Bloomberg sources said these are ending in August. One MCX partner, Best Buy, announced as far back as April that it would support Apple Pay by the end of 2015.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
30 Comments
There are tons of problems with this service, but at least it's Quick. It says so right in the screenshot. Quick.
This is going to be stillborn. Not accepting standard credit and debit cards has killed it.
So they had a three year exclusivity deal and then screwed it up by not launching until said deal was due to expire? Poor management right there.
There are tons of problems with this service, but at least it's Quick. It says so right in the screenshot. Quick.
It appears you bring up the app, then touch the Quick CurrentC bar at the bottom. I assume then it generates the QR code, then you scan that.
"We expect there to be more than one successful player in mobile payments, and we expect to be one of them," he added.
Hey, you can expect whatever you want, doesn't mean it will happen or that it's even realistic.
DOA.