NFC startup Advanced Card Solutions is set to launch a mobile loyalty and rewards trial in Singapore. The ACS mCard Wallet application will allow merchants to create virtual loyalty and reward cards, offers and discount coupons for their customers, who can then tap their phones on NFC readers in participating stores to redeem loyalty points and rewards.

The service also enables consumers to search for deals by location or merchant, save deals and then present virtual coupons for redemption.

The goal of the trial, which is set to start next month and run through to 2014, is to get feedback from merchants, retailers and customers, says the company, which is a subsidiary of data and information management products and solutions supplier Digistore Solutions.

"The ability for consumers to redeem a coupon electronically with a tap facilitates ease of use and increases redemption rates," says CEO Victor Foo. "We hope by the end of this trial mobile loyalty rewards program we will have over 1,000 installed base and 200,000 customers in Singapore using ACS mCard Wallet for loyalty and rewards acceptance and redemption."

"Technology, infrastructure and consumer awareness of contactless loyalty and rewards program are poised for tremendous growth in Singapore," Foo adds. "Programs that reward consumers for their loyalty or incentivise consumers away from other retailers have been lacking in this market."
"Now, these businesses can benefit from a connection to the consumer through [a] loyalty and rewards program and mobile application like ACS mCard Wallet that provide anywhere, anytime access to their customers."