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There’s a reason Kroger is the largest supermarket by revenue in the U.S.–the company never stops innovating. Kroger has implemented more than 30 policy and process changes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to offer safer and easier ways to shop. These include:

  • Kroger Pay: A touchless mobile payment solution that securely combines a customer’s payment and loyalty card information to create a faster checkout experience. Customers are provided a single-use QR code to scan at the terminal to quickly communicate their payment and loyalty card information.
  • Scan, Bag, Go: The improved Scan, Bag, Go technology allows customers to scan their groceries using their mobile device, bag their own products, and pay via the Kroger app.
  • Pickup and Delivery: Customers can place a grocery order via Kroger.com or through the Kroger mobile app for delivery or free pickup.

Now the company is launching a contactless payments pilot in its QFC division (located in Seattle). The tech will allow customers to use their mobile device for a more seamless checkout experience. The pilot accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, mobile banking apps, and contactless chip cards, underpinned by near-field communication (NFC) technology.

Kroger’s technology team recently enabled NFC payments at 61 QFC stores. The NFC technology uses a radio frequency field to transmit data between two devices—a mobile device and PIN pad—eliminating physical contact. Customers can place their mobile device or contactless chip card near the PIN pad, and payment data is transmitted from the device or card to the terminal to process the transaction.

“Kroger continues to invest in innovative technologies that advance the customer experience, including our payment systems,” said Kathy Hanna, Kroger’s senior director of payments. “Providing our customers with flexibility—whether that means having the option to choose between shopping in-store or online for groceries or how you pay for them—we are committed to personalizing their shopping trip.”