The mobile app, CurrentC, continues its market rollout in Columbus, OH as reported by local newspaper, The Columbus Dispatch. There is still no word on a national or larger rollout.
Merchants such as Wendy’s, Target, CVS, Sears, Kmart, Wal-Mart and Giant Eagle are participating in the test, which started in September at 150 locations in central Ohio and soon will expand to Shell and Exxon/Mobil locations.
The article imparted some interesting information regarding the app’s security. The CurrentC website tell consumers that it protects their payment information through password protection and by not storing or transmitting any personal data. What isn’t stated directly, but was revealed in the article, is that CurrentC is using tokens to protect checking account, card and possibly other information. It seems unusual that this isn’t marketed as a benefit given Apple Pay’s success in touting this security feature in the roll out of their wallet
application.
One issue that consumers won’t have to worry about is security, said Jessica Deckinger, chief marketing officer at MCX.
There are several layers of security, she said, but perhaps the most important point is that the app doesn’t transmit a customer’s financial data over the air. Instead, the app uses tokens that are transmitted and securely converted by a financial institution, which then charges the user.
Overview by Sarah Grotta, Director, Debit Advisory Service at Mercator Advisory Group
