A method includes performing operations as follows on at least one processor: receiving credentials from a shopper, the credentials being associated with a purchase from a merchant, determining that the shopper is registered for a loyalty program with the merchant based on the credentials, determining that the shopper has a mobile payments account with a mobile payments processor associated with the loyalty program, the mobile payments account having a mobile phone number associated therewith, sending a payment request for the purchase to the mobile payments processor with the mobile phone number, and receiving an approval for advancing funds for the purchase from the mobile payments processor responsive to the shopper sending a payment request from a mobile device having the mobile phone number.
