The new in-car payment service will allow Mercedes-Benz car owners in Germany to directly make digital payments at service stations using their fingerprints, without needing to enter a PIN or authentication using mobile devices
The new in-car payment service can be used with Mastercard debit and credit cards in current Mercedes-Benz models. (Credit: Mastercard)
German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has joined forces with US-based payment-processing firm Mastercard to introduce an embedded in-car point-of-sale payments solution in Germany.
The new in-car payment service, offered through Mercedes pay+, allows Benz customers in Germany to directly make digital payments at fuel stations using their fingerprints.
It will use the fingerprint sensor integrated into the MBUX infotainment system to turn the car into a form of payment device, eliminating the need for a PIN or mobile-based authentication.
The new in-car payment service can be used with Mastercard debit and credit cards in current Mercedes-Benz models, initially at more than 3,600 service stations in Germany.
The contactless payment through Mercedes me Fuel & Pay and fingerprint sensor will be extended to other vehicle-related services and other European markets soon.
Mercedes-Benz Mobility board chairman Franz Reiner 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.
“An intuitive payment process and a best-in-class customer experience lay the foundation for the success of digital offerings. We are pioneers in native in-car payment and are already working on the integration of further services.”
According to Mastercard, it is the first use case for a native in-car payment solution to allow fingerprint payment authorisation at the gas station point of sale.
Also, Mercedes-Benz is said to be the world’s first carmaker to integrate Mastercard’s Secure Card on File for Commerce platform into automobiles.
The advanced payment technology allows the transaction data to be encrypted using uniquely assigned cryptograms, protecting sensitive payment information, said Mastercard.
Mastercard chief digital officer Jorn Lambert said: “Digital payments are coming of age, and consumers want to embrace new forms that are infused into their everyday experiences and activities.
“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.”