Contactless payments continue to expand beyond traditional retail environments, and the gas pump is becoming one of the latest points of innovation. As consumers grow more comfortable using smartphones, digital wallets, and QR code-based transactions, fuel retailers are looking for ways to reduce friction, speed up checkout, and strengthen customer loyalty.
ExxonMobil’s rollout of contactless payment options across thousands of fuel pumps reflects a broader industry trend toward mobile-first experiences that combine convenience, security, and rewards. By supporting NFC technology, QR codes, and in-app payments, fuel merchants are adapting to changing consumer expectations while creating new opportunities to engage customers directly through digital channels.
More fuel pumps are getting in on the contactless payment action. ExxonMobil is now fueling a dual function pay option via NFC (Near Field Communication) or QR code. A driver’s smartphone will handle either payment type and help speed up the transaction when tanking up.
Even faster is Exxon Mobil Rewards+ mobile app, which enables payment from within the car and gives loyalty points as well. Contactless pay is gaining traction as more consumers are becoming familiar with it. And it will someday becoming part of muscle memory similar to pulling out plastic from your wallet.
The following excerpt from a CStore Decisions article reports more on the topic:
To meet consumer demand for mobile payment options, ExxonMobil is rolling out a new two-in-one contactless payment solution using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and QR codes.
More than 11,500 Exxon and Mobil stations across the U.S. will have this new technology at gas station pumps by end of year to enable customers to ‘point and pay’ using their smartphones.
Here’s how the technology works:
- Drivers can simply tap their smartphone on the QR code sticker or use the camera to scan the QR code to pay.
- Then, the customer authorizes payment using Apple Pay, Google Pay or the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app and selects the fuel grade.
- For customers who have the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app, the technology intuitively opens the app to proceed with secure payment.
The evolution of fuel payments illustrates how quickly contactless technology is becoming part of everyday commerce. Whether through NFC, QR codes, or mobile apps, consumers increasingly expect fast, convenient ways to pay without relying on physical cards. For fuel retailers, these innovations not only improve the customer experience but also strengthen loyalty programs and create more direct relationships with drivers. As smartphone-based payments continue to gain traction, contactless fuel payments are likely to become a standard feature at gas stations nationwide.
Overview by Raymond Pucci, Director, Merchant Services at Mercator Advisory Group
