Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany can now pay for fuel, digitally by fingerprint, directly from their vehicle.
The manufacturer has agreed with Mastercard to introduce embedded in-car payments at the point of sale, enabling customers to make digital payments at more than 3,600 service stations nationwide.
In a statement, the firms said the fingerprint sensor has been integrated into the MBUX infotainment system, eliminating the need to enter a PIN or authenticate via mobile device when making a payment.
It is reportedly the first time that fingerprint payment authorisation will be used for native in-car payments at the point of sale. Mercedes-Benz also becomes the world’s first automaker to integrate Mastercard’s Secure Card on File for Commerce platform into the car.
Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG said: “With Mercedes pay+, we are making everyday life easier for our customers. From now on, they can pay their fuel bill directly from their car using their fingerprint – simply, securely, and conveniently.”
Image source: Mastercard
A study conducted by the German market research company GfK on behalf of Mastercard shows that around half of 18- to 39-year-olds would order and pay for services and goods directly via the infotainment display. It reveals that 60 percent would pay their gas bill or electric vehicle charging directly via the car.
“Digital payments are coming of age, and consumers want to embrace new forms that are infused into their everyday experiences and activities,” said Jorn Lambert, Chief Digital Officer at Mastercard.
He added: “Through our dynamic payments technology, we are proud to work hand in hand with Mercedes-Benz to bring safer, smarter, and more intelligent commerce experiences to its vehicles. We look forward to our continued efforts to drive further innovation in this area in Germany and around the world.”
How in-car payment with fingerprint works
When a driver reaches a connected service station and switches off the engine, the Mercedes me Fuel & Pay service will start automatically on the MBUX infotainment system.[Once started, the driver simply selects the appropriate gas pump. Before refueling, the system calculates the maximum total amount based on the current fuel price and the amount of fuel when the tank is full.
Rather than authorising the payment via a mobile device, the driver completes their transaction seamlessly through fingerprint authentication. After refueling, the driver can see the amount of fuel refueled and the invoice amount to their Mastercard debit or credit cards on the MBUX display. Payment is then made automatically while an invoice is then sent to the customer by e-mail.
