After several market tests, Chick-fil-A announced today the nationwide launch of its mobile payments platform. The chain is also testing mobile ordering through its app.

The national payment rollout is for all Chick-fil-A restaurants, with the exception of licensed locations.

Chick-fil-A customers can download the free app from the iTunes App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android devices.  Once the app is downloaded, customers can register for an account and load funds onto it using credit or debit card information. When customers are ready to pay, they tap the "Pay" button and scan their account's unique QR code at the register or drive-thru window. The cost of the meal will be automatically deducted from the account balance.

According to a news release, mobile ordering is also now available in more than 130 Chick-fil-A restaurants in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando and Washington, DC. Customers in these pilot markets can use their smartphones to place an order and pay before they reach the restaurant.

During the order process customers can choose any entree, side item, sauce and beverage they want and can completely customize their order based on their preferences. Favorite orders can be saved for reordering in the future.

After selecting their pick up method (in-restaurant or delivered to the car), customers then pay for their mobile order using a credit or debit card or with their Chick-fil-A mobile payment account. The food is prepared when customers "check in" on the app to help ensure freshness, the company said.

"This literally puts the ordering process in the customers' hands," said Khalilah Cooper, leader of digital ordering strategy, in the release. "Mobile ordering is all about giving customers the flexibility and choice to order what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. It's perfect for any customer who is short on time, and it's also convenient for families with children who want to customize a large order and avoid standing in line at the front counter."

Chick-fil-A's mobile ordering pilot began in early 2013 and is presently not available for breakfast or catering orders. The company will expand mobile ordering to more restaurants in 2015, with mobile ordering available nationwide by the end of 2016.

The company said future enhancements to the app will include an auto-reload option for payments, as well as the ability to use Apple Pay.

Chick-fil-A's Mobile App also includes the menu and nutrition information, an allergen filter, restaurant location finder and more.