Over 3,600 German gas stations now allow Mercedes pay+ users to pay via fingerprint.
In a groundbreaking move, Mercedes-Benz is teaming up with Mastercard to introduce a futuristic twist to in-car payments. Get this: you can now pay for your fuel right from the comfort of your Mercedes, using nothing but your fingerprint. That’s right, no PINs, no phone authentication—just a simple touch. The luxury automaker is making waves as the world’s first to incorporate Mastercard’s Secure Card on File technology for online payments directly into its vehicles.
Dubbed “Mercedes pay+,” this native in-car payment service will convert your Mercedes into a full-fledged payment device. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the United States yet, and has launched in cooperation with 3,600 gas stations in Germany, but Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to expand the program’s reach. For those lucky enough to be able to use it, It’s the epitome of convenience and high-tech luxury rolled into one, allowing users to pay with a simple fingerprint scan from within the car. But that’s not all; this feature employs biometric two-factor authentication, ensuring transactions are as secure as they are effortless.
The application of fingerprint payment at fuel stations is merely the first layer of what promises to be an expanding domain of native in-car payments. Mercedes-Benz leads the charge by being the first automaker to integrate this innovative Mastercard technology, wich allows for the encryption of transaction data with uniquely assigned cryptograms, putting a robust security fence around your sensitive payment information.
Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, encapsulated the vision perfectly: “With Mercedes pay+, we are making everyday life easier for our customers. An intuitive payment process and a best-in-class customer experience lay the foundation for the success of digital offerings.” It’s not just about pioneering in-car payments at the gas station; Mercedes is actively working on incorporating even more services into this payment ecosystem.
It’s no surprise that there’s a high demand for this kind of tech. According to a study conducted by German market research firm GfK on behalf of Mastercard, around 50% of individuals aged 18-39 would happily order and pay for services directly via their car’s infotainment display. A majority of them—60% to be precise—would use this feature for everyday car-related expenses like gas and EV charging.
Jorn Lambert, Chief Digital Officer at Mastercard, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Digital payments are coming of age, and consumers want new forms infused into their everyday experiences. We are proud to work with Mercedes-Benz to bring safer, smarter, and more intelligent commerce experiences to its vehicles.”
So, how does it all work? The Mercedes me Fuel & Pay service activates automatically when you reach a connected station and switch off your engine. It pre-calculates the maximum fuel cost based on current prices and tank capacity. After fueling, you’re presented with the invoice amount on your MBUX display, and payment is processed automatically. No cash or physical cards are required, the invoice gets emailed to you, and you’re on your way.
It’s not just Mastercard that’s on board. Visa cards are also activated for digital payments at these service stations. Plus, Mercedes-Benz plans to roll this out to other vehicle-related services and European markets soon, and hopefully eventually Stateside. With this revolutionary payment technology, Mercedes-Benz and Mastercard are redefining luxury, convenience, and security in one extraordinary package.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
