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Starbucks begins offering Square Wallet purchases from today
While you probably won't be able to get Jack Dorsey to buy you a grande spearmint green tea the next time you go for coffee (we should know, we've tried), you can at least use his payment service. Yes, today's the day that Starbucks begins accepting Square Wallet purchases at 7,000 of its stores -- just scan a QR code or NFC-tap your smartphone to make a payment. In 2013, you'll also be given the ability to tip your barista, presumably assuming you can go through the awkwardness of pre-selecting how much you think their service is worth in front of them.
Square launches in Canada, streamlines payments on the world stage
For all of Square's fast growth, it's been exclusively the domain of US shopkeeps; others had to scrounge for an alternative, if there was one at all. The payment pioneer clearly isn't content to isolate itself or anyone else, as it's making its international debut with support for Canada. Locals can immediately request the free Mobile Card Reader and swipe credit cards with an Android or iOS device at the same flat, 2.75 percent rate that more experimental American stores know very well. Complete equality isn't available to Canucks just yet, as Square Wallet won't be available until 2013, but the access remains a step forward for Canadian merchants that don't want to be tied down to a terminal any more than their southern neighbors.
Square making Starbucks debut in November, will accept digital tips in 2013
If you're wondering when Starbucks is finally going to get around to rolling out Square, wonder no more. The company announced that starting in November customers will be able to pay for their no-fat soy mocha lattes using the platform founded by Jack Dorsey. Of course, being able to use Square Wallet at the nation's largest coffee chain is a major milestone for the mobile payment scene as a whole, but loyal customers likely already have a Starbucks card and its associated app. Only problem with both Square and the Starbucks app is you still need to carry cash to tip your barista. Thankfully, at some point in 2013, the company will start accepting tips through its own app and Square Wallet. Which also means you'll be out of convenient excuses for not tipping, you cheap bastard.
