Sionic Mobile, a mobile loyalty and payments company, today announced ION Rewards app users may now earn and spend IONs at nearly 40,000 retail and restaurant locations nationwide. Most recently, JCPenny, Dell, Legal Sea Foods and Regal Cinemas joined the growing, diverse network of merchants that accept the ION Rewards app for purchases, according to a press release.

To use ION Rewards consumers download the app, set up an account and link one or more payment methods, according to the announcement. Users can then use their smartphone or tablet to pay for purchases in two taps or less at participating merchant locations. In return, users are instantly rewarded with up to three percent in IONs that spend like cash, never expire and can be used at any participating ION merchant online and in retail locations. Additionally, users can locate nearby participating merchants, receive unique promotions and offers, as well as send and receive digital gift cards directly from the app.

"We have achieved a significant company milestone," Ronald Herman, CEO and founder of Sionic Mobile, said in a statement. "When we launched ION Rewards, we took a radically different approach by focusing on the customer experience and removing layers of restrictions that hinder traditional rewards programs. Giving users the ability to use IONs at a wide variety of restaurants, shops, big brand retailers, as well as for entertainment, is critical to ensuring an exceptional experience. No other loyalty application allows users the luxury of not only paying with their mobile devices and earning instant universal rewards, but also having choices and control over how they redeem those rewards."