Barclaycard wakes up to Costa Coffee’s contactless cup
Damn good coffee as a certain agent said on Twin Peaks. Costa Coffee and Barclaycard have unveiled the UK’s first reusable coffee cup with integrated contactless payment technology.
“Today’s shoppers are looking for seamless and ‘to hand’ ways to pay”
Powered by Barclaycard’s bPay technology, Costa Coffee’s “Clever Cup” allows users to make purchases with the cup, top up their balance and track payments online or via a dedicated app.
Rob Morgan, head of sales and partnerships at Barclays, says: “Today’s shoppers are looking for seamless and ‘to hand’ ways to pay. Our wearable chip technology allows almost any accessory to be transformed into a smart payment device, unlocking the benefits of speed and ease in everyday purchases.”
The idea forms part of Costa Coffee’s wider re-launch of its reusable range, encouraging customers to use reusable cups instead of single-use takeaway cups.
Sold in packaging made from recycled coffee cups, the Clever Cup features a silicon base and contactless chip, which is detachable for ease of washing. The technology within the cup can be used wherever customers see the contactless symbol and not just Costa Coffee stores.
The new cup is priced at £14.99, with a £1 donation from every sale going to the Costa Foundation and will be available from all Costa Coffee outlets across the UK. It’s not rolled out yet, but will be on the way soon.
The Costa Foundation is a registered charity which wants to improve the life chances of boys and girls in coffee growing communities by providing the opportunity of a “safe, quality education”. It has funded the building of 80 school projects in ten countries.
