Phillips 66 customers pay with a RFID tag

13 Oct 2001 at 15:59 GMT Timo Poropudas

Motorists at select Phillips 66 gas stations In Oklahoma can pay for gasoline or store purchases just by showing a RFID key ring tag to a reader. Phillips 66 is testing a radio frequency identification (RFID) payment system, called Philpass, in 20 of its Kicks 66 stores in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The test started in August.

"Philpass gives our customers faster, more convenient service at our stations," said Ray Schremmer, Philpass project manager. "This technology is enabling Phillips to expand our payment options, while making our system easier to use for our customers."

Philpass key tags are free for customers at participating stores. Motorists can request a key tag and link it to several major credit cards.

Phillips has worked with Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFID) Systems to develop this automated payment system. In addition, Marconi Commerce Systems, one of Phillips' fuel dispenser vendors, developed a counter-top RFID reader in the stores. Like the pump-mounted reader, the in-store reader works with the Philpass key tag to quickly and easily complete a purchase.

Phillips 66 Company is a division of Phillips Petroleum Company. Phillips is an integrated petroleum company with interests around the world. Founded in Bartlesville, Okla., in 1917, the company had annual revenues of $21.2 billion for 2000. Phillips markets gasoline in the United States through its own network and 5,700 branded gasoline units.