Starbucks bank is already operating
Published: May 8 2009 03:00 | Last updated: May 8 2009 03:00
From Mr Paul S. Statt
Sir, John Gapper’s suggestion that “Starbucks should start banking” (blog, May 5) may be ridiculous, but it is already happening.
I am no fan of the coffee at Starbucks, but it is a convenient place for internet access where I work. Every month I deposit $20 in a Starbucks account, which is registered on my “Stabucks Card”.
Starbucks gets to use my money, I get to use Starbucks’ Wifi. That might be called the “interest” I receive.
I slowly spend the $20 on an occasional cup of tea, which Starbucks brews with boiling, not merely hot, water.
Oddly enough, I prefer the coffee at the ING Cafe in Philadelphia.
Paul S. Statt
Philadelphia, PA, US
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2009
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