Loyalty and rewards solution startup CardSpring has announced it is partnering with point of sale maker VeriFone to integrate its Web service platform into VeriFone's PAYware Connect gateway so developers can create card-linked services for any POS system interfaced to PWC. CardSpring offers merchants loyalty and rewards programs tied to consumer credit and debit cards.

The point of the integration is that merchants and developers using VeriFone's payment gateway can create services linked to credit and debit cards using the CardSpring API. That means no more paper coupons, gift cards, loyalty programs or paper receipts — everything is tied directly to consumers' existing credit or debit cards. It also means retailers can leverage existing devices to add loyalty and rewards programs.

The implications for mobile commerce are important as well since CardSpring eliminates the need for paper and cards and keychain tags. It also means mobile marketers can link their promotions to actual purchases at the point of sale.

"We are excited to work with VeriFone to help retailers connect with their customers and grow their business through card-linked services," said Eckart Walther, CardSpring's CEO. "Through this partnership, retailers and third-party developers will be able to leverage VeriFone's industry-leading open payment platform to create a new generation of applications that bring the power and accountability of digital commerce tools to hundreds of millions of retail shoppers."

CardSpring is currently only available through a private beta program, but developers, retailers and financial institutions can request an invitation to access through CardSpring's website.

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