The Kroger Co. debuted a new mobile payment option March 13.

Kroger Pay, an app that generates a single-use QR code that can be scanned at the checkout counter to pay for a Kroger purchase, is launching in Columbus and Colorado but expanding to all stores nationwide by year end according to a story on wcpo.com.

The app can be linked to any major credit or debit card. Kroger is also launching the Kroger Rewards debit card so payments, fuel points and other rewards can be tied to each purchase, according to the story.

Kroger has been talking about establishing payment options via cell phone for more than two years. Vice President Matt Thompson told WCPO it was on his "to do list" in 2016. In late 2017, Kroger struck a deal with JP Morgan Chase to accept the Chase Pay digital wallet in up to 600 stores.

The joint launch of Kroger Pay and Kroger Rewards allows Kroger to target special offers to customers that use both -- increasing customer loyalty while improving the speed of checking out. Kroger said the new payment system will expand to 10 cities this spring, then "go nationwide" later this year.