In the UK, you can fill up with your phone with Shell’s pay-at-pump PayPal service

By Andrew Hard July 20, 2015

Shell Fill Up & Go — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Some tasks — like detailing your car or preparing a meal – are meant to be handled with patience and care. Others are designed to be quick and easy, and we think you’ll agree that stopping for gas falls into the latter category.

Shell U.K. is launching a service called Fill Up & Go that could make fuel runs more painless than ever, as it allows you to pay for petrol right from your phone.

The service is based around convenience, and it is indeed very simple to use. Simply download the free Shell Motorist application from the Apple or Google Play store and link it to your PayPal account. When you’re ready to replenish your fuel tank, head to to nearest compatible station (Fill Up & Go is being rolled out on pump-by-pump basis), and choose how much you want to spend (£20 to £150 per transaction).

Next, scan the QR code displayed at the location and the pump activates automatically. When you’re done dispensing, the nozzle stops on its own and the app sends a digital receipt. It’s worth noting that the application has been updated and is currently live, but you won’t be able to link your PayPal account until July 23. Special offers, rewards, station locators, and news feeds are also available with Shell Motorist.

It’s no coincidence that the PayPal service is debuting across the pond now, as Apple has just announced that Apple Pay is available in the U.K. Customers can currently use Apple Pay at more than 250,000 locations across the sovereign state, including some gas stations, however you still have to go inside to do so.

Shifting our focus back stateside, Chevron recently announced that Apple Pay compatibility had been rolled out at a location in San Ramon, California, and was available at the pump. Other locations are coming soon, but as of now, there’s no official timeline.

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