• by Mark Walsh  @markfwal, March 31, 2010

Starbucks has expanded its mobile payment option for iPhone users from a small trial group of stores to Starbucks outposts in more than 1,000 Target retail locations nationwide.

The coffee giant launched the Starbucks Card Mobile App for the iPhone last September, allowing people to buy products by swiping an on-screen barcode scanned just like their plastic Starbucks card.

In addition to mobile payment, the app allows customers to set up and register a Starbucks card, check their balance and reload the card using a credit card. The mobile pilot program was launched in 16 Starbucks stores in the Seattle area and Northern California.

A Starbucks spokesperson said the payment test had been well-received by customers so far, leading to the extension of the mobile payment to Starbucks stores within Target. She said the company would continue to evaluate feedback from consumers and employees before expanding the capability more widely. Starbucks operates more than 11,000 U.S. stores and about 16,600 worldwide.

Target separately launched a mobile coupon program earlier this month that allows customers to redeem special offers and discounts through their handsets at checkout. But there is no connection between that initiative and the expansion of Starbucks' mobile payments to Target-based outposts.

Starbucks last fall also launched a second app -- similar to the many unofficial Starbucks-finder apps -- that enables users to find nearby store locations, look up menu and nutrition information and browse its whole bean coffee selection. The myStarbucks app also includes a Drink Builder feature so that people can create and share their own coffee concoctions with friends via SMS and email, or directly to their iPhone or iPod touch.

The company has said both apps reflect input from customers via iMyStarbucksIdea.com, its online suggestion box and social property. Some Starbucks fans have recommended combining the two apps into one for greater convenience. Others are calling for them to be extended to other types of mobile devices, including Android phones.