PayPal enables mobile payments at gas pumps

The payment service PayPal has teamed up with the company Pace Telematics to enable mobile payments via smartphone or smartwatch when refueling directly at the pump. The whole thing works with both an Apple Watch and an Android smartwatch.

PayPal and Pace Drive app work together

In order to be able to make mobile payments via PayPal directly at the gas pump in the future, we will need the PACE Drive app from manufacturer Pace Telematics, which is available for download free of charge in the Google Play Store and AppStore for iOS.

With it, mobile payments were already possible so far, but only by credit card or giropay. From now on, however, the own PayPal account can also be used. Alternatively, the app can also be used to find a suitable gas station that supports the service. It is also possible to compare gasoline prices using the app.

Only three simple steps are required to pay for the refueling process via PayPal: First, the gas pump is selected on the smartwatch at which the refueling process will be carried out. Then PayPal must be selected and confirmed as the payment method before the transaction is authorized in the third step.

This eliminates the need to go to the cash register, which is often associated with waiting times. The fuel receipt is saved directly in the app as a digital receipt.

Around 1,000 service stations in Europe

The problem: The network of gas stations that enable mobile payments via PayPal is currently still severely limited. Around 1,000 service stations in Europe already offer the service, including BayWa, Hoyer and team energie.

Pace Telematics, on the other hand, promises to continuously expand the network. For this purpose, the open and independent platform Connected Fueling is used, which can be easily connected to all common POS systems.

The service stations are then integrated into the cloud system of connectedfueling.com and can enable customers to make mobile payments. Theoretically, service station operators can also integrate the payment functionality into their own apps and combine it with their own bonus systems.