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The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand
1035 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, United States
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The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand
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Mi
Review №1

Unique little place• espresso : strong bodied, rich espresso with a cedary tang accompanied with warm brown sugar in the finish (locally roasted by @thesparrowsgr )• homemade syrups :)• fun drink selection• @lamarzocco espresso machine• interior : an eclectic space filled with various large plants, delecate pink accents, and a large wall of local merchandise. This shop has a warm and cozy feel, with more dim lighting and filled space you feel wrapped in your surroundings like a warm blanket.• plenty of available seating with multiple types of options from an inviting couch, standard cafe tables, and bar seating, to antique lounge chairs• very cool outdoor seating area nestled in the ajacent alley, adorned with beautiful leafy vines and set off with adorable pink outdoor chairs• numerous local artisan vendors featured :):)• A w E s O m E plants

Ca
Review №2

My husband and I are HUGE coffee fans and this little neighborhood coffee spot is everything to us. They have a lovely selection of books, gifts and local artwork inside. Lots of seating not just tables, but couches and comfy chairs. Lots of natural lighting. One of my favorite details is their free little library for kids outside on the patio

Ma
Review №3

Great staff, nice place to relax with a good cup of coffee! My favorite…their Americano.

He
Review №4

My very favorite coffee spot I’ve found in GR so far. I love the little alleyway with seating next to the coffee shop. There is a free little library with lots of children’s book in the alleyway so I bet this would be a nice stop for parents with young children to grab a book and read for a little while waiting on an order.The treats they sell from next to the register are always so tasty, I especially loved an orange-poppyseed scone I had a few weeks ago. The coffee is tasty, every coffee I’ve ordered. The iced teas they offer are just as delicious and delightful.I have to avert my eyes from all the books and other curios that are for sale, they’re all so cute that I want to buy them all!I’ve been here, will come back here, and highly recommend you visit too.

Gr
Review №5

Very cute coffee shop in grand rapids! Both indoor and outdoor seating and a number of books for purchase as well as locally made objects and jewelry. They have vegan and gluten free pastries and multiple alternative milk options

Ry
Review №6

Great lighting, friendly staff. Not exactly sure what I think of their redesign -- it might feel a little kitschy? -- but I sure do love their green tea lemonade.

Ga
Review №7

I stopped by and had a Cortado and Scone for breakfast. The coffee was great and the atmosphere was cozy. They have a wide assortment of books on the shelves for kids to read.The baristas were nice and informative when I asked questions about their coffee. I bought a bag of their Newsstand coffee blend and its tasty. I brewed it in an espresso machine and automatic drip and it tastes great for both.

Ka
Review №8

Sparrows on its own was already my favorite coffee place in town, but now they have two more local businesses in the same space and its just the absolute best. Everyone that works there is super friendly too.

Mi
Review №9

The Sparrows is located on Wealthy Street, albeit far from the foodie enclave many blocks away.An inviting exterior façade and a homey, cluttered interior give off that neighborhood coffeeshop vibe. Books, novelties, and kid things are for sale.This morning I tried the Colombian blend drip coffee. Blend? Disappointed. The brew is, hmmm, lets say bright - although acidic might be a better term. How one gets Bostic from Colombian is beyond me.For a coffeeshop, attention seems to be lavished on everything but the coffee. Knick-knacks; nice to have. Books and posters of the plants and fish of Michigan; ditto. Outstanding coffee; not optional.

Se
Review №10

Very friendly staff, unique and delicious specialty drinks, a great environment to work, socialize, and even pick up books for kids.

Em
Review №11

I love Sparrows but the last 2 times I went there they were closed even though Google said they were open. It would be helpful if they updated their open times more often.

my
Review №12

I am new to the area and have been hitting up all the local coffee shops in the area. I really love the vibe in this adorable coffee shop. I also love all the fun latte drinks they have concocted. Really friendly atmosphere that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I loved my maple spice latte. I think I found my new coffee shop to hit up on my walks.

Al
Review №13

Love this place. 🥺 barista was so nice. Seems nice for studying/ reading (it’s also a book store) it’s very quiet.

TR
Review №14

This coffee shop is a treasure! The atmosphere is very inviting. The barista was amazing! I cant say enough about this place. Love it!

Ka
Review №15

Warm and cozy coffee spot on the east side. Love sitting in the window front or communal table and getting work done here.

TJ
Review №16

Quaint little coffee shop in the positively expanding Wealthy Street Neighborhood. Interior fashioned as a simply dimly lit reading room, with periodicals for sale. Small alley of a seating area adjacent to the shop, likely quite nice in the Summer. LGBT Friendly.

al
Review №17

Fantastic !!Staff was absolutely amazing ! They were so sweet and kind

Ev
Review №18

Nice sitting, coffee is good but not the best in town. Great sitting and store

Na
Review №19

Service is personal and thoughtful. Drinks and food are fan freakin tastic. LGBT friendly thru and thru. Great place to work remotely, especially if youre a writer. If I could live within walking distance, Id be here every day.

Sh
Review №20

The wonderful atmosphere created by this store is reason enough to go there, but luckily their food is also wonderful.

Al
Review №21

One of the cutest little coffee shops! They have some of the best and unique alternative options, like oat milk! Their loose tea selections look diverse and legit and they have a great magazine select to chose for purchase!

Es
Review №22

They never post or update their closing time or day on any of sites such as google, yelp, or their own web. The opening time is so different with google. Whenever google or yelp says that they are open, they closed without any notification for customers.

Ma
Review №23

Super cozy, amazing service, incredible coffee. This is my new favorite spot!

Ja
Review №24

So nice and quick, love the earthy atmosphere. almond milk latte was everythinggggggg

Re
Review №25

Wonderful staff, delicious drinks with house made syrups. Wonderful tea options. Additionally, a great selection of childrens gifts and books.

Ti
Review №26

Excellent expertly prepared beverages. Cozy place to sit, drink and eat.

Ma
Review №27

Always super friendly and super yummy! Cozy and relaxing too 😌

De
Review №28

I love the new and improved Sparrows.They offer great coffee, pastries and a variety of knick knacks.

ke
Review №29

Cute little coffee shop. Has 5 tables for outdoor seating. Great date spot to chill. Very friendly staff. Will go again.

An
Review №30

This is my go-to spot for getting some work done. Leans more towards the tea drinkers than coffee, but still some good coffee options. Great atmosphere with nice seating options, whether youre a dark corner person or someone who likes right next to the window. Some outdoor seating during the warmer months and a tasty selection of baked goods, many times gluten free. I went with a seasonal drink this time (golden chai) and was very happy with my choice. Highly recommend you visit at least once.

Ka
Review №31

My FAVORITE coffee shop of all time. Their lavender latte is the best, and their batch brew coffee is always yummy (my favorite so far is the uptown blend). They have a selection of baked goods for sale, including gluten free options from Rise Bakery.Come here to study, write a paper, read a book, catch up with a friend, or just to grab some great coffee. Also, be sure to bring your own to-go cup for a discount! Otherwise they offer industrially compostable to-go cups and ceramic or glass for here cups, saucers, straws, plates, and silverware. If you get on of their to-go cups, be sure to return it to them when you get the chance, and they will compost it for you!! (one of my favorite aspects of this place is their commitment to being as sustainable as possible).

Vi
Review №32

Very lovely place to hangout with a friend. The atmosphere is idyllic.

Br
Review №33

Calm and relaxed place to grab a tea or coffee. Nice selection of pastries, wide variety of tea. They have a patio and seating out front.

Me
Review №34

Ive never been to the actual cafe, but thanks to Trade Ive tried Colombia Cauca and their All Seasons Blend. Both are delicious—a bold but sweet way to start the day. Ill definitely be ordering more of their lovely bags.

Ch
Review №35

Very rude staff. They were dismissive and not open to fixing my order. I would not recommend at all.

Wa
Review №36

Such a cute lil coffee shop with an amazing lavender latte

Br
Review №37

Very tasty specialty cups. Also a very nice atmosphere. Just a little bit pricey.

Ru
Review №38

Love the vibe, love the coffee, love the scones. This is my new fav coffee shop.

Ke
Review №39

Im not going to lie, when I saw the photos online I didnt know if this place had the atmosphere Im looking for when I go to coffee shops, but it doesnt disappoint! The front of the coffee shop is really bright with a lot of natural light, and there are two little arm chairs by the window that have become one of my favorite spots in GR. The coffee tastes great even though its not the best in GR (I personally think Madcap has the best) even though I think the prices are a little high. This place is always very busy, but thats because its such a great spot!

Mi
Review №40

I love the Sparrows, from the wooden floors, the cozy atmosphere, and amazing coffee. The staff here are also very friendly, and help make the Sparrows the welcoming, quiet environment that it is.Their Lady Lazarus is hands down my favorite latte, but everything there is great.I have amazing memories here, and I hope that others enjoy the Sparrows as much as I do.

Ch
Review №41

My go-to coffee shop in the area. Always friendly service and great coffee.

ch
Review №42

Delicious coffee options. I recommend the one with cardamom!

J.
Review №43

Quaint locally owned coffee shop, plenty of plants to help bring a pop of color and tranquility to the space. Adequate safety barriers between ordering and prep areas and card payment only are steps that were taken to help promote customer and worker safety. If looking for a local owned shop to try this is the one!

Vi
Review №44

The coffee doesnt stand out and neither does the atmosphere in a city full of unique cafes.

Ra
Review №45

WiFi password for Sparrows Public: hamburger8Cute coffee and tea shop! Great place to study and work. Kinda pricey drinks though.

Sa
Review №46

Cool little coffee shop, plenty of tables for groups or studying/chilling alone. Both my drink and the shortbread were delicious. Great music, too. This is my new favorite place to catch up with friends.

Ma
Review №47

Great study spot, almost always has good music playing. Baristas are friendly and I’ve only had good drinks here. Internet works well and the food is tasty too!

Tr
Review №48

Good coffee for moning or weekend

Hi
Review №49

Best coffee in Uptown with lovely staff

Pe
Review №50

Super cozy local coffee spot. Lot of tea and coffee varieties that you can tell the staff are really passionate about making. Their Chai is one of my favorites, especially in the winter. Can be a bit crowded sometimes, but it’s usually on the quieter side so it’s good for reading or studying. But unless you sit outside it can feel a bit awkward to have a conversation with someone there when is it’s dead quiet.

Jo
Review №51

The products are good. The staff is nice. The atmosphere is good too.And those things are of course the most important.But its crowded, outlets arent going to happen, and there arent any cheap options.They also close way too early and seem to have enough days closed to where you may want to check ahead if youre making a trip or planning a meeting.If you like walking into a poetry night or another group activity, then cool. If you dont, well, they seem to have a lot of them.

Jo
Review №52

Amazing local coffee shop and news stand. Great place for homework and meetings when its not a pandemic out!

Ke
Review №53

I love the atmosphere of this coffee shop. Great place to commune with friends or get some work done. Very encouraging of local talent and, of course, literature. The staff are always helpful and friendly - assisting in finding you your best choice for beverages and food. I appreciate the charming sound of old hardwood creaking as you walk across the shop to the outdoor patio or restrooms (located in the back).

Ta
Review №54

Sparrows is a cozy environment where you can not only get work done, but catch up with old friends. They also happen to have some of the best coffee beverages in town, you have to try their Lavender Latte (Lady Lazarus). Staff is fantastic, and I always feel welcome.

Br
Review №55

I love this place! Its so calming and the environment is pretty quiet. The staff is very nice. The baked goods are always fresh and the drink variety is great. Eco-friendly too!

Se
Review №56

Sparrows has done a great job at incorporating both taste and sight in their quaint shop. As a coffee drinker, I know their brews are great. But I dont know much about their tea. Its a great place to hang out with a friend...there are a lot of younger patrons. Also, they line one wall with a variety of magazines and papers, which adds to its cozy atmosphere. The atmosphere itself is very consistent to their purpose as a coffee shop. I recommend trying The Sparrows at least once and then decide what you think. Ive come here several times and love it.

Ha
Review №57

The staff is lovely. The lady Lazarus is the best latte Ive had anywhere ever!

Gr
Review №58

I asked google for nearby coffee shop and sparrow came up but they havent adjusted hours of operation

Jo
Review №59

Great little neighborhood coffee shop. Crowd is slightly more hipster in flavor, but the shop feels homie and nobody is rude.Folks behind the counter are super friendly, the drinks are well made. A regular coffee will run you about $2 and the specialty stuff is around $5 which feels appropriate. Can get busy, but rarely have I not been able to find a spot to sit.They also have some artier zines and journals available. Do have poetry periodicals. Overall great spot.

Aa
Review №60

Wonderful place and wonderful people.

Jo
Review №61

Great spot for a quiet cup of coffee and quick bite for breakfast. One of the few places where you can find gluten free baked goods as well. We had two kinds of gluten free donuts and one gluten free pop tart. All were amazing. The girl behind the counter was very nice and helpful in our decision making process. I had plain coffee and my girlfriend had lavender honey coffee and they were both very tasty.

He
Review №62

Great atmosphere, great coffee and tea! Lots of milk alternatives to choose from. I love the newsstand aspect, as theres always an interesting zine to choose from. Service is always friendly and quick. This place is carefully curated and a local treasure.

Me
Review №63

The Sparrows is a cozy coffee/tea shop in Eastown with plants hanging all around and is a beacon of warmth in the cold weather. While parking is a little difficult to find, its worth it, especially for how easy it is to spend an hour or two here chatting with a friend, crafting, or getting some work done. They have samples of all their tea options to see which youd like to try, and their rotating lattes are delightful. This visit was he first time I had one of their baked goods, but the brownie I got was absolutely delicious.The cozy atmosphere doesnt compromise seating, and there was a low hum of conversation that provided a pleasant atmosphere while I and my friend were there. Indie magazines and books/periodicals are available for purchase, and theres always posters in the back area, near the bathroom, advertising for various theater productions or concerts around the area.All in all, The Sparrows is a great place to hang out, and its atmosphere is both relaxing and pleasant. I thoroughly enjoy each visit, and will certainly come back again.

Ja
Review №64

Service here is always quick and friendly. I don’t know much about coffee, so I am always asking questions. The entire staff is very helpful and informative. I feel very welcomed and at ease when I visit The Sparrows. They have nice little outdoor seating areas out front as well as in the small alley on the side. Great place to hang out, do homework, study, read, or meet friends.

An
Review №65

My sister brought my brother and I to The Sparrows this past snowy Saturday morning while we visited Grand Rapids from Chicago. We were able to find street parking for free about a block or two away, and once inside, we noticed a few open tables in the back. We also spotted a ton of plants and just an overall home-y vibe. It was very pleasant, especially on such a cold and snowy April morning.My brother snagged one of the tables while my sister and I ordered coffee and donuts for all of us. I was most excited to try the pretzel-topped chocolate cake donut. All three of our coffee orders were ready within a few minutes, and we sat down with our donuts and caffeine to catch up for a few minutes before my brother and I headed back to the Windy City.We each split the donuts, and while the pretzel donut was less crunchy than Id hoped (it seemed like that pretzels just got soft from sitting out), the concept of sweet and salty was still very smart. I also enjoyed the bites of the sprinkle donut as well, and loved the frosting drizzle on their donuts the most! It worked really well with the chocolate cake part of the donut.If youre looking for a quick coffee to go, or a spot for a slow morning to work or read a book, definitely stop by The Sparrows for a comforting experience.We noticed at the counter that theres a Wifi password, too, so if youre planning on coming here to work, dont be discouraged when you dont see an open Wifi network! There is one for patrons, and the passwords up front.

Je
Review №66

Very cozy shop, staff is friendly, and the drinks are great!

Ri
Review №67

The Sparrows has a great coffee shop vibe. Employees are courteous and helpful. There are a lot of choices for a beverage or something to eat that goes well with coffee. The look and feel of the place is great, and you get an authentic city atmosphere at the Sparrows. One caveat: the clientele is by in large margin younger people, but the upside is that they bring a nice upbeat atmosphere.

Ja
Review №68

Sparrows is the place where I go when I want to get a good cup and read a great book. The cozy atmosphere feels like someone has opened up their house for you to relax in and happened to install a great coffee bar. Next time you want the specialty coffee experience but dont want minimalist themed bustle, Sparrows is the perfect place to go!

Mi
Review №69

Love stopping in at The Sparrows! I would recommend everything on their drink menu as I have tried most of it. My recommendation: Lady Lazarus.The atmosphere is calm. Sit on the patio on the side of the building if you can.They also sell Rise Grand Rapids vegan and gluten free pastries which is a must!

W.
Review №70

Liked this neighborhood place in an older building. People chatting, working on computers, reading. Clientele are locals, mostly. Coffee was okay, as were the lemon muffins. Parking is on street and no hassle.

Pr
Review №71

The coffee is great and they have tons of loose leaf tea options. There is no shortage of drink options. The space is comfortable and a good place for reading. In addition there are great options for pastries! Friendly staff! Youre gonna love it!

Sa
Review №72

Super cute and cozy coffee shop. Coffee is good and staff are friendly

Jo
Review №73

Very nice little place. Clean and cozy sitting areas. The coffee was excellent, but the pastries we got were to die for. Plenty of quality publications can be bought off the shelves, good mix of local and national stuff.

Au
Review №74

Small, quiet coffee spot with friendly customer service and real chill music vibes. Had a mocha a few times there, and it was absolutely fantastic. I try and go here when I have a spare 15-20 minutes in the area.

De
Review №75

This is my favorite local coffee shop in Grand Rapids. They have a great variety of drinks and a handful of unique options that I highly recommend trying! Great spot to meet a friend or hang out and relax. Very casual environment.

Pa
Review №76

Loved the jasmine pearl green tea and gluten free maple pecan donut! Yum! Shop is really cute, server was very nice and so was the atmosphere. Well definitely be back!

Er
Review №77

Best place in GR to go if you want to chat with friends or sit by yourself reading a book. This shop and Lantern on Commerce really set themselves above and beyond the many great coffee shops GR offers.The selection of coffee is always excellent, and the excellent lattes made here are among the few that Ive had that I actually enjoy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, quickly developing a rapport with the patrons. (And they have excellent taste in music)I highly recommend this place if you are looking for somewhere to hang out for a few hours. Be warned: You might end up buying 2 or 3 cups of coffee while sitting there.

Sa
Review №78

It is a cute home renovated into a coffee and tea shop. It has the cracks and creeks from the wood floors, and wall panels. Very calm and chill setting, but also can be a lively fun place. The patio outside is really pretty and I love sitting out there. The tea selection is vast and always recycling itself. I always find something new and exciting every time I visit. As of a year ago, they completely switched to MadCap Coffee, which was the best move they ever made!

Ma
Review №79

Love the coffee. I recommend to mokaya mocha. Really tasty. It can get really packed if you want to sit but you normally can find a seat and if not they do have a patio. All around the vibe is pretty chilled out and west grand rapids is a super fun place

Ro
Review №80

If you love a little neighborhood coffee shop with personality this is your place. Forget Starbucks and come here! Its divine and the coffee and tea specialties are much more inventive. My personal favorite is the dirty Harry - Earl gray tea, soy milk and honey. You will love it. If not, there are dozens of other creative drinks to try!

Sh
Review №81

I really love going here to work, but it can get kinda loud and theres limited access to power outlets. However, they have a great selection of coffee and different beverages. The people are super friendly and I love the quaint and cozy feel of the place.

Ni
Review №82

Great place to stop for a minute and enjoy a great cup of coffee or tea. Loved their promagranate white tea.....steeped to perfection. They really know the true science of tea brewing.

St
Review №83

My new favorite coffee shop in town. Good vibes. Good bean juice.

Ar
Review №84

My brother snagged one of the tables while my sister and I ordered coffee and donuts for all of us. I was most excited to try the pretzel-topped chocolate cake donut. All three of our coffee orders were ready within a few minutes, and we sat down with our donuts and caffeine to catch up for a few minutes before my brother and I headed back to the Windy City.

Fi
Review №85

I love this spot. Having grown up in Europe around a rather storied and serious coffee culture, its nice to see people here who appreciate good coffee, including the craft of its brewing. Also, as far as a work environment is concerned, things here remain pretty quiet for most of the day.

Am
Review №86

The staff is friendly and polite. Soft vibes and very cozy with the cute little pants. My only qualm is that I wish there were more options for non-animal milk.

Bo
Review №87

A friend took me here a while ago. It was really good. Good prices for good lattes. pretty clam and quiet there on Sunday mornings.

Ka
Review №88

Quick cheerful service, good coffee. The building has a somewhat rustic feel inside, and provides a cozy atmosphere for anything you might be doing. Storefront is slightly unassuming and easy to miss - another good reason to walk Eastown instead of driving.

Mi
Review №89

If you like tea, this is the spot! They have many varieties and really cool infusers. Great place for a first date or a quick coffee or latte. They have snacks as well. Not great vegan options (on the snacks, but plenty of vegan teas and lattes) but some. Quaint atmosphere with plenty of decor items to prompt conversations (such as a wall with books and magazines).

Le
Review №90

This is a nice place but most definitely not somewhere Id go to regularly. Imagine if coffee shops only had almond or oat milk and charged extra for the less healthy, non environmentally friendly, lactose filled option!! No. They charge .75 cents extra for anything thats not cows milk. 75 cents really? 6.00 for a small latte. Its a very calm environment and the drinks taste good but I dont think they are worth that price.

Ly
Review №91

Favorite coffee shop in GR because if their great seasonal drinks and energetic, poised atmosphere. Plant love!! :)

Za
Review №92

I love this cozy coffee shop. They know about the coffee and tea and the service is quick. The newsstand is a unique quality as well. They also play good music.

Sa
Review №93

Amazing beverages and tons of options for those with dietary restrictions (specifically vegan)! Great atmosphere and staff

Je
Review №94

For a small coffee shop it has really great coffee. So if you like coffee shops check this one out

Th
Review №95

There is NO Bubble Tea here. You have to be able to stand the smell inside. It’s a wonderful smell to some and not so much to others. It would be nice if they didn’t come up in searches for bubble tea so often.

Ha
Review №96

One of the BEST coffee and Tea shop in town. Excellent coffee and tea selection and even BETTER service. All the baristas are helpful, kind and very professional. There are a lot of coffee shops where as soon as you walk in you feel uncomfortable or that you are not up to their standard, not in this place...I would highly recommended to anyone.

P
Review №97

Was looking for a good coffee spot so I found this one, ignored the few bad reviews and am glad I did! Quick and friendly service. Great coffee, had the Lady Lazarus, came with latte art and an everything bagel with cream cheese! Everything was very fresh and delicious. Atmosphere is great with people happy and talking while others quietly working! Would highly recommend!! Great job baristas❤

Ma
Review №98

Very welcoming atmosphere that encourages great conversation, fairly quiet. The staff is very friendly and suggested some great options for my out of town guests. The coffee here has a pleasant roasted undertone, & I really enjoy the selection of teas they have.

Pa
Review №99

I love hanging out at this place. The drinks and music is always good. It has a much better vibe and is much CLEANER than the local competitors a few blocks down. I love their tea selection. They pay attention to quality and variety!

Ge
Review №100

I like the old-school, funky atmosphere, but it doesnt have enough outlets. The coffee is always great. The staff are quirky, friendly, and fun.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:1035 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, United States
  • Site:http://thesparrowsgr.com/
  • Phone:+1 616-608-3375
Categories
  • Coffee shop
  • Cafe
  • Espresso bar
  • Magazine store
  • Newsstand
  • Tea house
Working hours
  • Monday:8AM–3PM
  • Tuesday:8AM–3PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–3PM
  • Thursday:8AM–3PM
  • Friday:8AM–3PM
  • Saturday:8AM–3PM
  • Sunday:8AM–3PM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:No
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:No
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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