Starbucks has introduced new technology allowing US customers to pay for a coffee with their smartphone.

Customers can download the Starbucks Card Mobile app onto an iPhone, iPod Touch or Blackberry and use it to pay for in-store purchases.

Latte-lovers can put money on their virtual card through PayPal or credit cards and track their rewards. Once at the counter, users simply press 'touch to pay' on the app and hold their phone up to a scanner.

The app displays a barcode, which the scanner can detect and debit the amount from the card.

Starbucks has not revealed whether the technology will be rolled out to Australia but the Seattle-based chain expects the innovative payment method to be popular.

"Starbucks anticipates mobile payment will be a draw for customers looking to experience the speed, ease and convenience of paying with their mobile phone," the company said in a statement.

'Touch and Go' technology is already available in Australia, allowing customers to pay for items under $100 by tapping a debit card against a terminal, rather than swiping though a machine and entering a PIN.

The technology is being adapted for mobile phones, and Google has already announced it is developing a smartphone that the tech giant believes will eventually replace credit cards.