Pret A Manger goes for contactless cards

Pret A Manger hopes to reduce queuing with contactless payment technology

Fast-food chain Pret A Manger has started the implementation of contactless payment technology across its network to improve customer service.

The rollout is being carried out in partnership with Barclaycard and supplier Commidea, and follows a successful trial in seven Pret A Manger stores in London.

It is expected that the technology will be up and running by April in 178 branches across the UK in cities including London, Manchester, York, Brighton, Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge and Southampton. The chain is planning to further extend the system across its entire network during 2009.

The technology is intended to reduce queuing time by enabling customers to wave their contactless cards in front of the terminal to pay for items of £10 and under without the need to enter their PIN or sign receipts.

"Speed is incredibly important to us and we are able to install an efficient contactless system to give our customers a quicker method of payment and an improved customer experience. The new system has been received well so far," said Simon Hargraves, director of food and communications at Pret A Manger.

The news follows the issue of one million contactless cards by Barclaycard as part of the bank’s efforts to push further adoption of the technology by high-street retailers.

"It is great that Pret A Manger has committed to contactless in such a big way. Not only does it demonstrate its commitment to the technology, it highlights the fact that contactless really is becoming a reality in cities and towns everywhere in Britain, not just London," said Paul Cook, managing director of payment acceptance at Barclaycard.

"The continued increase in demand, by retailers and consumers, is a testament to the strength of the technology and the convenience and efficiency it provides."