Mercedes and Mastercard Pioneer Payments with In-Car Fingerprint Technology
In a groundbreaking partnership, Mercedes-Benz and Mastercard are changing how we make payments right from the comfort of our cars. This innovative collaboration introduces in-car payments, making Mercedes-Benz the world’s first automaker to integrate Mastercard’s Secure Card on File for Commerce Platforms technology into their vehicles. The initial launch is in Germany, with plans to extend this revolutionary service to other European markets.
A Seamless Payment Experience
Imagine this: you pull into a service station in your Mercedes-Benz, switch off the engine, and your car automatically initiates the Mercedes Me Fuel & Pay service on the MBUX infotainment system. With a few simple taps, you select your gas pump. Even before refuelling, the system calculates the maximum total amount based on the current fuel price and the amount needed to fill your tank.
Now, here’s where it gets exciting. Instead of reaching for your wallet or mobile device, you can complete your transaction with just a touch of your fingerprint. After refuelling, your car displays the amount of fuel filled and the invoice total on the MBUX display. Payment happens automatically, allowing you to drive away without the need to visit the checkout area.
This seamless process is not only convenient but also incredibly secure. Mastercard’s technology ensures that transaction data is encrypted using uniquely assigned cryptograms, safeguarding your sensitive payment information.
A Step Towards the Future of Payments
Jorn Lambert, Chief Digital Officer at Mastercard, underlines the significance of this partnership, saying, “Digital payments are coming of age, and consumers want to embrace new forms that are infused into their everyday experiences and activities.” This collaboration with Mercedes-Benz is a testament to the growing demand for integrated and secure payment options.
According to a German market research company GfK study, approximately half of 18 to 39-year-olds would prefer to order and pay for services and goods directly via the infotainment display. This aligns perfectly with the vision of a seamless and integrated payments ecosystem.
The Human Touch
Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, shared his perspective on this groundbreaking development: “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.”
Christopher Miller, an emerging payments analyst at research firm Javelin, also noted the importance of such integrated payment experiences. He emphasised that these experiences “require partners with the capability to coordinate all of these different components into something easy for consumers to use and understand.”
Expanding Beyond Fuel Payments
The fingerprint payment feature currently applies to fuel payments is just the beginning. Mercedes-Benz plans to extend this functionality to cover other vehicle-related services and expand into other European markets, making in-car payments a ubiquitous feature of the Mercedes-Benz experience.
In a world where convenience, security, and innovation reign supreme, Mercedes-Benz and Mastercard are driving us towards a future where our cars are not just modes of transportation but also seamless payment devices, making every journey a hassle-free and secure experience.
This collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Mastercard marks a significant leap forward in the in-car technology and payments world. It’s a glimpse into the future of how we interact with our vehicles, and it all starts with the simple touch of a fingerprint.
So, the next time you pull into a Mercedes-Benz service station, remember that the future of payments is at your fingertips.
