Groupon Payments comes to Android, starts catching up to Square

Use Groupon Payments for your business? You just got a little more choice -- the popular deal broker just updated its Android app to support credit card transactions. The update brings the fledgling payment service a little closer to Square, which has been available on Android since 2010. If the iOS rates hold, swiping plastic through Groupon Merchants will set retailers back a mere $0.15 per transaction, plus 1.8 percent of the charge for Visa, MasterCard and Discover, or three percent for American Express. The update also boasts improved analytics, giving retailers the ability to check transaction history, daily sales reports and peek at revenue trends. Budding business owners can check out official press release after the break.

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Groupon Releases Updated Groupon Merchants App for Android, v2.2, with Groupon Payments

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Groupon (NASDAQ: GRPN) announced the release of the newest version of the Groupon Merchants app for Android (v2.2), which incorporates Groupon Payments into the platform, offering merchants a better way to accept credit cards at the guaranteed lowest overall rates. Groupon merchants with Android devices who sign up for Groupon Payments will enjoy a fast, intuitive experience capable of fulfilling their everyday credit card processing needs.

Groupon merchants with Android devices may now enjoy the following benefits:
•Hassle-Free Enrollment - Activate the service within minutes
•Comprehensive Features - Use the Groupon Merchants app to enter bill totals, add tips, apply taxes, process refunds and email customer receipts
•Dependable Service - Backed 7-days-a-week by a dedicated Groupon Payments support team reachable by phone and email

•Security - Encrypted credit card information keeps customer data safe
•Analytics - Payments information is seamlessly available through the online Payments Center where merchants can view live transaction history, check daily sales reports, track deposits to their bank account and analyze revenue trends
•ROI Tracking - Groupon Merchants can scan and redeem customer Groupons and monitor tips and additional spending to track the success of their deal

"We're thrilled to bring the powerful features of the Groupon Merchants app and the cost savings and convenience of Groupon Payments to more merchants with smart phones," said Gene Alston, General Manager of Groupon Payments. "This app is an effective tool for merchants looking to process payments and track customer growth."

Merchants interested in learning more about Groupon Payments can visit https://www.grouponworks.com/merchant-solutions/payments or call (888) 961-1511 to speak with a representative. The Groupon Merchants app is available for download in the Google Play Shop. Merchants with iPhones can download the Groupon Merchants app in the iPhone App Store.

The guarantee of lowest possible rates is only available to Groupon merchants located in the United States. Merchants must provide proof of current third-party rates for identical services. Participation is subject to the terms of the Groupon Payments Merchant User Agreement, which may modify or discontinue the guarantee and the underlying services at any time. The guarantee is void where prohibited by law.