Originally Posted by
randian
Will they? They're a former MCX consortium member. They're as intransigent as Walmart (also former MCX member) on this subject. They basically copied Walmart's app and QR-code system. At least Walmart's app has the decency to code transactions as online, I'm told Publix's app doesn't.
If Publix were serious they would have installed NFC-capable terminals at their stores in their latest round of terminal upgrades, even if they didn't enable it. They didn't, which means they'd have spend the cash to replace their terminals again if they're serious, which I don't for a second believe.
The way Publix, Kroger, and HEB talk you'd think this was difficult, voodoo stuff. I assume that was intentional, so consumers stop asking for it.
I don't think being former MCX precludes Publix from enabling contactless per se. After all, other former members have enabled it.
However, the same factors that caused them to join in the first place are quite possibly also the same ones preventing contactless now (interchange fee concerns, data mining, etc.) Only they know what their true plans are.