LevelUp Drops Mobile Payment Processing Fee

LevelUp, the mobile payment arm of SCVNGR, is dropping its payment processing fee to zero. LevelUp offers a QR code based mobile payment and reward app for iOS and Android devices. With LevelUp merchants can start marketing campaigns (such as offering a $5 credit to 100 new clients) to win new customers and create loyalty programs. When the customer redeems the offer, LevelUp charges the merchant 35% of the credit redeemed. Read more…

Starbucks Rolls out Mobile Payment App in Canada and the UK, Adds PayPal Support

Starbucks has launched its popular (last year Starbucks processed more than 26 million mobile transactions) loyalty and mobile payment app in the United Kingdom and Canada. The new version of the official Starbucks app also provides some new features such as PayPal support and an account history. The app enables customers to pay with their mobile phone and collect reward points at the coffee company’s participating stores. Read more…

Virtual Currency Startup Pocket Change Raises $5M

Google Ventures has led a $5 million Series A round of funding for Pocket Change, a virtual currency startup. The California-based company is working on a universal virtual currency that can be uses across multiple platforms. Read more…

Paysafecard Launches in Canada

Paysafecard’s prepaid payment service for online purchases is now also available in Canada. The prepaid online vouchers are especially popular for all kinds of micropayments. With the launch in Canada, Paysafecard is now available in 31 countries around the globe. Just recently Paysafecard was acquired by Skrill, one of Europe’s largest payment service providers for approximately €140 million.