Flint Adds Invoicing with Online Bill Pay to Android Swipe-Free Payments App

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Flint Mobile today announced the addition of invoicing, online payment acceptance and other new customer management tools to the Android version of its no-card-reader mobile payment app, which is used by small, service-centric businesses that operate outside of traditional storefront environments.  With these upgrades, merchants using Android devices can use one simple app for many transaction scenarios - whether they need to accept cash, check or credit cards on the spot or quickly invoice customers to get paid online.  Customers get consistent electronic receipts, and all the information including payment history and customer contact is automatically organized in the mobile app and on Flint's online portal.

The Flint service is designed to simplify payment acceptance and customer engagement for the more than 17 million independent businesses in the U.S. that are highly mobile, such as contractors, photographers, IT consultants freelancers, and health, beauty and fitness professionals. Monthly Flint usage has multiplied by a factor of more than 20 over the past year, reflecting the strong need for a new type of solution for this audience. 

The Flint app uses the phone's camera to securely scan credit or debit card numbers instead of swiping them through a card reader or other external hardware that often gets lost or can be unreliable when it's not set up as a fixed terminal. No card data or image is stored on the phone, and all data transmission is encrypted. The app is free with low fees of 1.95% and 2.95% per debit and credit card transaction, respectively.  The fees are the same for scanned, keyed entry or invoice payments. Merchant setup is instant, with no need for a merchant account or waiting to get a card reader.

Major new capabilities in the latest Android release – available immediately for Android 4.0 phones or higher – include:

1. Easy invoicing with integrated payments – Merchants can now use the Flint Android app to create and send invoices or bills to customers via email. Customers simply click a link in the email to pay online from their mobile phone, tablet or computer – even if the merchant's web site isn't set up for ecommerce.  Users can also track invoice status from either the app or merchant portal, and use Flint to send automatic reminders or overdue notices to customers. 
2. Cash or check payments – In addition to credit/debit cards, merchants using Android devices can now use Flint to manage cash and check transactions – including sending custom e-receipts – with no fees.   Users can track all payment types in one account and export data as needed.
3. Multiple item support – Flint's Android app can now handle multi-item transactions, including automatic calculation of the total amount due and any applicable taxes. Merchants can also add custom payment amounts and apply discounts to transactions.
4. Faster transactions and scanning – The transaction flow has been streamlined and simplified with Android-specific user interface enhancements.  In addition, card scanning has been improved across a wide range of Android devices. 

These capabilities are also available in Flint's iPhone app, along with Apple Passbook support enabling consumers to add coupons to their Apple Passbook app with a click instead of downloading a separate app as required by other solution providers. 

"Merchants who operate in a mobile environment can now run many aspects of their business from the palm of their hand," said Flint co-founder and CEO Greg Goldfarb. "We've seen very strong adoption of mobile invoicing with online bill payment from many of the same users who take credit cards directly through the app. Many service oriented businesses need to have both capabilities."

"I see clients in their homes every week and many of them want to pay by credit card. That was impractical before I started using Flint," said Jimmy Terrell, owner of Terrell Heating and Air, Inc. based in Atlanta, GA.  "Being able to take card payments without extra hardware, send custom receipts and now use the same app for invoicing saves time and makes it much easier to manage my business – all with just my Android phone."

Flint's upgraded Android app is available immediately on Google Play and is free to download.

About Flint Mobile, Inc. 

Flint is a mobile payment service for small businesses that makes it easy to accept credit cards and increase customer engagement.  Designed for businesses that operate outside of traditional retail stores, Flint's iOS and Android apps allow users to take credit cards without a card reader – by scanning instead of swiping – or via online invoice payments. To facilitate customer loyalty and referrals, the all-in-one platform also offers digital coupons, customized e-receipts, and a merchant portal for payment tracking, invoice management and more. As a secure Payment Service Provider, Flint also provides instant setup without a merchant account and low transaction fees.  Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Flint is backed by top-tier Silicon Valley investors and mobile operators. For more information, visit http://www.flint.com.

SOURCE Flint Mobile