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# Drive-Thru Payment Platforms
This Chain Uses Beacons to Facilitate Mobile Payment at Drive-Thrus

By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-02-05 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facilitate-mobile-payment
References: [blog.passkit](https://blog.passkit.com/3-reasons-fast-food-and-mobile-payments-make-a-quick-match/)

[McDonald’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-drive-thru) is currently using iBeacons to facilitate mobile payments at its drive-thru windows. While many chains have apps that allow customers to pay for their order with their smartphone, the technology is largely limited to the in-store experience. Now restaurants are using [mobile payments at the drive-thru](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/techdriven-drivethru) as well.

In order to make paying at the drive-thru easier, McDonald’s teamed up with a company called Piper to design an app that would facilitate mobile payments. When combined with beacon technology, the app is able to send push-notifications to nearby customers. When the consumer reaches the drive-thru window they can pull up the [mobile wallet to pay](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smooth-commerce) or redeem different coupons.

The technology ultimately helps to speed up the drive-thru process by eliminating the cumbersome exchange of cash.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.8/10
- Popularity: 31% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Drive-thru Beacon Technology:** The implementation of beacon technology in drive-thrus to facilitate mobile payments is a trend that can improve customer experience and streamline transactions.
- **Mobile Payment Applications:** The rise of mobile payment applications in the food industry is a trend that can lead to increased customer convenience and loyalty.
- **Cashless Transactions:** The trend towards cashless transactions, particularly in drive-thrus, presents opportunities for businesses to reduce transaction time, decrease the risk of theft, and improve accounting accuracy.

### Where This Applies

- **Fast Food:** The fast food industry can benefit from drive-thru payment platforms through increased customer satisfaction, reduced wait times, and improved efficiency.
- **Mobile Technology:** The mobile technology industry can leverage beacon technology, mobile payment applications, and push-notification features to improve customer experience and increase adoption rates.
- **Retail:** The retail industry can take advantage of drive-thru payment platforms to provide a more convenient checkout experience for customers and to increase sales.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Drive-Thru Conveyor Belts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-drive-thru.md)
- [Mobile Drive-Thru Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chick-fil-a-2.md)
- [Digital-Only Drive-Through Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-in-forth-worth.md)
- [AI-Powered Drive-Thrus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcd-tech-labs.md)
- [Voice-Based AI QSR Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valyant-ai-and-paerpay.md)
- [Improved Fast-Food Delivery Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-door-dash.md)
- [Pay-Ahead Food Pickup Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pay-ahead-pickup.md)
- [Location-Based QSR Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-3.md)
- [Drive-Up Pickup Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fastmac.md)