Foursquare checks in with over half a million businesses

Popular check-in application Foursquare announced today on its blog that as of last week it has more than half a million businesses signed up and offering specials.

Businesses looking to take advantage of customers using Foursquare to check in to their locations can sign up for a merchant account. Once they do so, they can offer specials, update venue information and gain useful insights on check-in data, such as popular days and times. Best of all, it’s free.

Foursquare spotlights several specials that are currently running, including one from Radisson Hotels that allows guests to check out 2 hours later than normal. Also, McDonald’s is offering a free beverage with the purchase of a meal to people who check in with Foursquare.

Foursquare has been busy the past couple months. The company recently closed a $50 million round of funding and reached a milestone of more than 10 million users.

Foursquare, founded in 2009 and based in New York City, has raised more than $71.4 million in funding to date. It currently has more than 70 employees in its home town and an engineering office in San Francisco.