Mercedes-Benz, Mastercard Launch Biometric Fuel Payment System in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has taken a significant step forward in the realm of in-car payments by launching a biometric fuel payment system in Germany. The luxury automaker has collaborated with Mastercard to offer this feature, which allows drivers of compatible Mercedes-Benz models to pay for gas using an in-car fingerprint scan. The payment is processed through the car’s MBUX infotainment system, specifically through a feature called “Mercedes me Fuel & Pay.” This new payment method is currently supported at over 3,600 gas stations across Germany.

This development is not the first of its kind for Mercedes-Benz. Earlier in 2021, the company announced plans to trial a similar system in partnership with Visa. The biometric payment authorization in that system was enabled by Visa’s Delegated Authentication technology. The Visa Cloud Token Framework was integrated into the MBUX system to facilitate the use of biometric credentials for payment authorization. This framework is designed to obscure sensitive payment information, thereby enhancing security.

The “Mercedes me Fuel & Pay” feature is part of a broader strategy by Mercedes-Benz to incorporate advanced biometric technology into its vehicles. Earlier this year, the automaker implemented its biometric payment system, “Mercedes pay+,” in car models in the EQS, EQE, S-Class, C-Class, and GLC series. The company has also shown a growing interest in biometric technology beyond payment applications, such as facial recognition technology designed to recognize drivers and passengers.

The initial launch and pilot testing of these biometric payment systems are taking place in Germany, a hub for automotive innovation. Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with Mastercard marks a significant step in the ongoing integration of biometrics into the automotive industry.

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September 25, 2023 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team