Target stores join need for speed trend in streamlining checkouts

Target released its own mobile payments system today, called Wallet, which will be accessed from the Target app on iOS and Android. The feature works like this: you open Wallet inside a Target store, scan any coupon barcodes, and then scan your Wallet barcode at the register to pay with your REDcard (which you upload beforehand). Currently, you must have a REDcard — which are Target-branded credit or debit cards with special offers — if you want to use the Wallet feature, but the feature will eventually roll out to non-cardholders. Target gift cards can’t be used with Wallet yet. Target reportedly tested how long it took to check out with the app compared to checking out at a kiosk or with a cashier and claims that checkout with the app isfour times faster than other methods.