When your car is also a payment device

The fingerprint sensor present in some Mercedes-Benz models will help validate certain payments. — AFP Relaxnews

Thanks to new technology developed by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, it will soon be possible to authenticate transactions simply via a fingerprint sensor present in the car interior, with no need for a PIN code or validation by smartphone. The aim is to facilitate the payment of car-related services.

Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer in the world to integrate this type of payment authentication directly into a car, in a native and secure way. Initially, this new functionality will be reserved for German users and only Visa is supported. Other card systems will gradually be added and activated for Mercedes pay+ as the service is rolled out across Europe.

Here, the vehicle itself allows two-factor biometric authentication. As such, it is no longer necessary to enter a PIN code or validate a payment via a dedicated application. It simply requires a fingerprint. This major first is currently reserved for the payment of digital services and on-demand hardware upgrades from the Mercedes me Store.

This could include anything that helps control the car's comfort, from cabin climate control to seat heating. In terms of infotainment, it could include advanced navigation services, for example. Later, this payment system will be extended to other services, starting with refueling.

Compatible car models, ie, already equipped with fingerprint readers, are the EQS and EQE series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and C-Class, as well as the new GLC.

Mercedes-Benz (like BMW) recently introduced its Plug & Charge technology, for recharging an electric vehicle without having to use a card or a mobile application. The idea is to have nothing else to do but connect the charging terminal to the dedicated port on the vehicle.

The car is then immediately recognised thanks to digitally stored registration data. At the end of the charging process, billing takes place automatically through a data exchange between the car and the charging station. – AFP Relaxnews