Starbucks adds digital tipping to mobile payment app

Seattle -- Starbucks is adding a tipping option to its mobile payment app. The new feature is part of the chain's upgraded app for iPhone that will be available in the U.S. on March 19.The company's app now accounts for approximately one out of 10 purchases.

The revamped app also includes a new dashboard. Other enhancements include a “shake to pay” feature that lets customers shake their iPhone to bring up their Starbucks Reward card barcode, as well as direct mobile reload of rewards points. Customers can also gain access their Starbucks account using Passbook, allowing customers’ mobile Starbucks cards to appear on their iPhone screen automatically after they enter a Starbucks store.

“With more than 11% of transactions a week now happening with a mobile device in our stores, and nearly 10 million customers currently using our mobile app, we’re thrilled to make the digital experience even easier and more rewarding for our customers and partners,” said Adam Brotman, chief digital officer for Starbucks. “This update to the Starbucks App for iPhone is an important next step in digital innovation at Starbucks and one of the many ways we’ll expand and improve our digital experience in the months to come.”

Starbucks customers will be able to leave a tip in 50 cent, $1 and $2 increments.