MELBOURNE Cricket Club members will soon be able to pay for food, drinks, merchandise and activities using their membership cards. 

Thanks to tap-and-go technology payments will operate in the same way as a normal credit or debit card.

Members are being encouraged to pre-load funds onto their cards, and will receive a five per cent rebate on most purchases within the reserve. 

The club is promising members 'a more rewarding membership' with the program, which is branded MCC Plus.   

The innovation is expected to make for a more seamless experience at bars and food stands within the members' area.

It will begin as a pilot program over the cricket season and, if it's successful as expected, new cards will be rolled out to all members in time for next AFL season. 

It looms as a massive logistical exercise with all of the MCC's 100,000-plus members to receive a new membership number and card. 

Over time, members are being promised extra benefits from the program.

It's the latest innovation at the home of football, which has seen the arrival of increased food and beverage offerings in recent years. 

The MCG has also installed state-of-the-art wifi technology to dramatically improve phone reception when there are large crowds.