Mobile payment systems are expanding

Mobile payment systems options are growing for small businesses. Soon, customers won’t even have to bring their wallets to purchase items at the local coffee shop, or the garden center.

Cell phone app Square is starting to make a splash as it expands its reach, and will start handling credit and debit card transactions for Starbucks this fall. The free Square card reader attaches directly to the retailer’s cell phone, allowing an individual to swipe all major credit cards. The app allows customers to download the payment program and pay with their phones.

Isis, a joint project from AT&T, T Mobile and Verizon Wireless, is still under development, but small businesses are starting to take notice. Through it, customers would pay through a special chip in their phone, a credit card number stored in an app, or a small attachment that that allows a smartphone to read cards.

Others, like Google Wallet, GoPayment and LevelUp are all making strides in development as well. As the technology progresses and makes it easier for potential customers to spend, it may be coming to a garden center near you.