More than 3,000 Wendy’s restaurants now accept credit cards, with more stores being added each week.

Electronic payment systems are being introduced at Wendy’s company-owned and franchise locations on a market-by-market basis throughout the U.S. as part of a phased national rollout, which began in July.

In an announcement today, Wendy’s said all 1,225 of its company-owned stores now offer electronic payment, using satellite technology.

By the end of the year, Wendy’s says more than 70 percent of its U.S. system will be on board. Additional restaurants will continue to be added in 2004.

“We’re receiving very positive feedback from our customers,” said Tom Mueller, Wendy’s president and chief operating officer. “They like the convenience of paying with a credit card and they appreciate the fact that the systems we’ve put in place ensure rapid service, both inside our restaurants and at Pick-Up Window.”

Wendy’s accepts four major credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.