Mercedes-Benz is the world's first automaker to integrate Mastercard's Secure Card on File for commerce platform directly into the vehicle. It ensures the encryption of transaction data using uniquely assigned cryptograms for the utmost protection of sensitive payment information.
Mastercard Integration for Secure Transactions
Mercedes-Benz has taken the step of enhancing the driving experience for its customers in Germany by introducing the advanced feature. It allows drivers to initiate the fueling process and make payments digitally. The process is done through their vehicle's fingerprint recognition system.
This new technology gets rid of the old way of using a PIN or your phone to pay. However, it still provides an easy and safe way to pay. The native in-car payment service is known as Mercedes pay+. It effectively transforms the car into a payment device. It can be used to make payments at participating service stations.
By utilizing the integrated fingerprint sensor within the MBUX infotainment system, drivers get the whole procedure done. This service is currently live and compatible with Mastercard debit and credit cards in Mercedes-Benz's current vehicle models. This development marks a significant milestone. Fingerprint payment authorization at gas stations is the first application of native in-car payments at the point of sale.
Franz Reiner, the Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, emphasized the company's commitment to making life easier for customers, stating: "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."
Mercedes me Fuel & Pay: Automating the Fueling Experience
A recent study conducted by German market research company GfK, on behalf of Mastercard, revealed that around half of individuals aged 18 to 39 are interested in ordering and paying for services and goods directly via their vehicle's infotainment display. The study also indicated that many would prefer to use in-car payment for everyday automotive-related services, such as paying for gas or electric vehicle charging.
Jorn Lambert, the Chief Digital Officer at Mastercard, commented on the growing demand for integrated digital payments, and said: "Digital payments are coming of age, and consumers want to embrace new forms that are infused into their everyday experiences and activities."
#MercedesBenz teams up with @MastercardDE to introduce embedded in-car payments. Customers will be able to use a fingerprint sensor in their car to make convenient digital payments with Mercedes pay+ at more than 3,600 service stations in Germany.
— Mercedes-Benz Press (@MB_Press) September 25, 2023
More: https://t.co/UxH8u46Nv6 pic.twitter.com/k64DJlhdSF
The process of in-car payment with a fingerprint is straightforward. When a driver arrives at a connected service station and turns off the engine, the Mercedes me Fuel & Pay service activates automatically on the MBUX infotainment system. The driver can select the desired gas pump. The system calculates the maximum total amount based on the current fuel price and the vehicle's fuel level. The payment is then seamlessly completed through fingerprint authentication. It avoids the need for a mobile device.
After refueling, the driver can view the amount of fuel refueled and the invoice details on the MBUX display. Payment is processed automatically and allows the driver to leave the gas station without visiting the checkout area. The invoice is subsequently sent to the customer via email.
Mercedes me Fuel & Pay with fingerprint authentication is currently available at over 3,600 cooperating gas stations in Germany. Customers can utilize their Mastercard credit or debit cards issued in Germany for this native in-car payment. They are to register their card in the Mercedes me user account and activate it within the vehicle via the MBUX infotainment system's Mercedes pay+ feature.
Mercedes plans to extend fingerprint payments to cover other vehicle-related services and expand this feature to other European markets. This technology underscores the company's dedication to enhancing the driving experience through innovative digital solutions.
