PayByCar is the latest innovation in the ever changing scenario of digital payments. The system has been launched by the Amazon and Mastercard-backed ToneTag. It integrates the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the car's infotainment system.
Recently, MG Hector, in partnership with Bharat Petroleum, showcased the tech that will let an individual make payment directly from their car. This will further eliminates the need for a smartphone or other handheld devices, according to a report by ET.
PayByCar works has a simple application. When a person drives up to a fuel station, the car's infotainment system displays the fuel dispenser number. A soundbox within the car announces the customer’s arrival, alerting the staff at the fuel station. The person proceeds to enter the desired amount of fuel for purchase, which is conveniently announced through the same soundbox. This straightforward process results in a secure and contactless transaction, enhancing both convenience and safety.
But the applications of this technology don't stop at buying fuel as 'Pay by car' also offers the ability to recharge the car's FASTag, with the current balance displayed on the infotainment screen, providing a solution for all vehicle-related payments.
The development of an offline voice-based payment system for any phone within the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) sandbox was the first step in ToneTag's journey toward this invention. The main objective was to enable people who might have trouble with app-based payments or digital literacy so that everyone could take part in the digital economy.
ToneTag made news by introducing conversational payments on UPI in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) at the recent Global Fintech Fest. This innovation makes it possible to pay bills over the phone, broadening the possibilities for simple, convenient digital transactions.
ToneTag was established in 2013 by Kumar Abhishek and it was also the first company to enable contactless payments in point-of-sale machines using sound.
