By Jamie White – Head of Communications

Paying for fuel is about to get faster and easier at Shell garages across the UK after a new collaboration was announced between the company and Paypal.

The service plans to offer a new level of choice and convenience to customers by allowing payment via the Paypal and Shell Motorist mobile apps.

The vast majority of Shell’s 1,000 outlets will allow the app’s users to select their chosen petrol pump at each station, before customers fill up their cars. A receipt will be sent to the phone after fuelling is complete.

After a successful pilot in 2013, the service will be available to Shell Drivers Club members from April and then nationwide later in 2015 through both the PayPal app and the Shell Motorist app.

Michael Hominick, Retail Marketing Manager at Shell UK, said: “Customers will now have the flexibility and convenience of paying without having to leave their car. Those who want to go in store and pay or purchase other items will still be able to, with the benefit of reduced queues.”

Rob Harper, Director of Mobile Commerce at PayPal UK, said: “We’ve always believed people will use their mobile phones to pay if there’s a clear benefit. With the announcement, we’re offering drivers a faster way to fill up their car and pay, and get back on the road.”

The PayPal app is already accepted in more than 8,000 UK shops and restaurants.

Mobile fuel payment is scheduled to be available later this year through apps on Android and the iOS store.