A first for Walgreens

Walgreens has become the first retailer with store locations to integrate its loyalty program though Android Pay.



The chain on Monday announced that members of its loyalty rewards program, Walgreens Balance Rewards, can now apply their loyalty account at checkout through Android Pay, expanding the company’s portfolio of unified mobile payments solutions.



This latest integration gives the more than 85 million active Balance Rewards members, many of whom use Android devices, another way to earn and use loyalty points in-store, and eliminates the need to separately scan or enter their rewards card.



“We’re continually looking at ways to enhance the customer experience through innovative and forward-thinking technologies,” said Abhi Dhar, Walgreens senior VP and CIO. “We’re proud to have been the first retailer to integrate our loyalty program with the two leading mobile payment providers, and to give our customers another channel for greater access, choice and convenience with our loyalty program.”



Shoppers can add their Balance Rewards card information to the Android Pay app downloaded on Google Play. Before payment, members simply hold their Android device near the PIN pad and the appropriate rewards information is applied. To check out, members then hold their Android device again near the PIN pad for payment. Android Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by credit and debit cards.