Current members of Shell’s loyalty program, the Shell Drivers’ Club, will soon be among the first drivers in the UK to be able to use their smartphones to pay at the pump. By partnering with PayPal, Shell seeks to improve its overall customer experience by increasing the number of choices to make it easier to quickly refuel vehicles.
As the first fuel retailer in the UK to offer such a service, Shell hopes to reduce lines at the station and allow busy commuters in a hurry to remain in their vehicle while refueling. Those wishing to park and shop inside the store will still have the option to do so.
Almost every driver across the UK will soon have access to the new initiative, as most of Shell’s 1000 gas stations are in the process of implementing the new technology.
To participate, drivers simply need to use a smartphone to download the Shell Motorist App or the PayPal App, log in, and select the nearest pump after arriving at the petrol station. Once logged in, PayPal pre-authorizes the pump and automatically sends a receipt to the phone.
“PayPal’s been pioneering the future of money for years,” Rob Harper, Director, Mobile Commerce at PayPal UK, said in a release. “Today, consumers can use their mobile to pay at over 8,000 UK shops and restaurants. Our partnership with Shell takes us further down the road to the day you can leave your wallet at home and pay with your phone.”
This program will allow Shell to enhance customer engagement by using mobile technology in a way that already matches the everyday 
experiences and lifestyles of drivers everywhere.
“We’ve listened to our customers and know they will benefit from this innovation,” Michael Hominick, Retail Marketing Manager Retail at Shell UK, added. “This is an exciting development for Shell. We believe that by working with a trusted brand like PayPal this new service will positively impact our service stations by delivering the security, choice and convenience UK motorists are after,” he continued.
Starting in April, the app will be available through the Android and the iOS store for Shell loyalty program members. It is scheduled to become widely available to everyone later this year.