OpenTable Is Testing In-App Mobile Payments, Stays a Step Ahead of Active Yelp and Groupon

OpenTable, which says it seats more than 12 million diners per month at about 28,000 restaurants, is testing an mobile payment process that will let diners pay for a meal by using the company’s app.

Matthew Roberts, CEO of OpenTable, says in an interview with The New York Times that the company won’t be taking a cut of transactions that take place when a user makes an in-app payment. OpenTable charges restaurants for reservations made via its service and charges a monthly fee for use of its equipment

If you’re wondering about the confusion in-app payments might cause for waiters who might think patrons are pulling a dine-and-dash, OpenTable is cognizant of that possibility, too. Roberts says the company is considering implementing a system that alerts restaurant workers when a diner makes a payment via the mobile app.

In mid-June, OpenTable acquired JustChalo, a mobile technology company developing a payments app for restaurants, for $11 million.

This report comes after potentially threatening moves made by Yelp and Groupon. Earlier this month, Yelp acquired SeatMe, a company that runs a Web- and iPad app-based reservation service for restaurants and other nightlife-related businesses. SeatMe’s service steps on OpenTable’s territory, which is especially awkward since Yelp currently has a deal with OpenTable.

Meanwhile, Groupon recently announced Groupon Reserve, which allows customers to book tables at restaurants at a discount. The company just announced that Groupon Reserve is being added to its iPhone app.

OpenTable is announcing its second-quarter financial results on Thursday.