Popular drug store chain Walgreens announced on Thursday that it has become the first retailer to integrate their Loyalty Program with Apple Pay. Over 85 million “Balance Rewards” members will be able to earn and redeem loyalty points via Apple Pay. Users will be able to use their loyalty card without the need to scan the physical card, or the barcode on their iPhone.
“We’re excited to be the first to provide our customers with increased ease of access to their Balance Rewards account and information when using Apple Pay,” said Sona Chawla, president of digital and chief marketing officer for Walgreens. “This offering supports our commitment to removing friction and enabling a simple and convenient customer experience.”
Users can add their Balance Rewards card to the Wallet app in iOS 9, and then use it at checkout via Apple Pay. Members will hold their iPhone near the contactless reader at checkout, and place their finger on the Touch ID sensor on their device. The customer’s rewards information will be transmitted. Apple Watch users will just double-click their wearable’s side button, select their Balance Rewards card, and hold the Apple Watch up to the reader.
