If you’re an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus owner, you soon won’t need to go digging for change when you want to buy a candy bar, do laundry, or just abut any other coin-related activity, as USA Technologies Inc has announced it is bringing Apple Pay compatibility to more than 200,000 self-service stations, vending machines, and kiosks around the United States.
“Our customers are excited to accept Apple Pay at the self-serve locations they operate,” said Stephen P. Herbert, chairman and chief executive officer of USA Technologies. “We anticipate that the millions of consumers who frequent these locations will appreciate the convenience and security of using Apple Pay for their everyday purchases, and we believe that Apple Pay will help to drive additional sales for our customers.”
The company began building NFC capabilities into its products a decade ago, and currently supports contactless transactions in its flagship ePort machines and systems.
“USA Technologies has always sought to provide convenience, security and an easy way to pay for consumers who are less and less likely to carry cash,” Herbert said. “We recognized early on the potential for mobile payment, and promoted the technology to ensure our customers were ready for this shift to occur.”
USA Technologies joins a growing list of companies announcing support for Apple Pay. Earlier this week, Western Union announced it has begun accepting Apple Pay for money transfers and bill payments, and MasterCard and the PGA Tour announced Apple Pay support for concessions purchases at tour events.
I personally saw a Coke machine over the weekend that accepted Apple Pay as payment. I began to reach into my pocket for my iPhone 6 Plus when my wife kindly reminded me I already had a cold beverage in my hand from the restaurant we had just visited.
“But honey!” I cried, “This Coke machine takes Apple Pay!”
Yeah, the novelty hasn’t worn off for me quite yet…
