The mobile payment network LevelUp has launched "connected apps" to provide a simple way for developers to connect to its payment ecosystem and take specific, authorized actions on behalf of LevelUp users, such as charging a payment, viewing transaction history or pushing credit to users' accounts.

Just as apps connect with Facebook to access a built-in social layer, the company said in a news release, apps can connect with LevelUp to access a built-in payment and rewards layer.

For example, LevelUp said, the online food ordering website Zuppler is integrating LevelUp as a method of login and payment directly into its website, so customers can pay for online takeout orders using LevelUp. Consumers enter their email address and receive a push notification and/or email directly to their phone, requesting "permission" to grant the app (Zuppler in this case) the right to charge them.

Once the consumer accepts, the payment goes through. LevelUp said all of the features of will be available for both the consumer and the merchant, including loyalty accruing/redeeming rewards.

Connected apps have other real-world applications, the company said. For example, an app could rewards users with LevelUp credits toward their favorite healthy restaurant when they reach a certain mileage or time goal. Or it could work with a restaurant review site that verifies reviews based on whether customers actually make a purchase at a restaurant, the company said.

"We're building a payment and rewards layer for the real world, making it incredibly simple for them to accept and process actions through LevelUp," LevelUp CEO Seth Priebatsch said in the release. "The possibilities for LevelUp connected apps are limitless; basically any developer with some kind of transactional element can build a LevelUp connected app. A true payments layer and connected apps ecosystem makes the benefits of LevelUp accessible to way more businesses than ever before, ultimately making Levelup a much richer experience for consumers."

The SDK and Connected Apps platform is currently available to select beta partners, the company said, but interested businesses and developers can fill out an application here.

Learn more about in-app payments.