Some drivers now pay with fingertips

Chicago drivers have a new way to pay for gasoline: with their fingertips.

Ten Shell gas stations in the Windy City are testing biometric systems that let consumers walk up to the pump, scan their fingertips on a device and fill up. The systems, also installed at Shell convenience stores, are linked to customers’ checking or credit card accounts for payment.

Shell said it was the first brand to launch the biometric systems, although expansion hinges on whether its customers take to the futuristic finger scanners. The devices, made by San Francisco-based Pay by Touch, speed up the transaction and make identity theft more difficult because it is impossible to duplicate a fingerprint.

Biometrics are creeping into the retail sphere as consumers prefer quicker and more secure methods of payment. SuperValu, one of the nation’s largest grocers, has Pay by Touch systems in several of its store brands, including Albertsons, Cub Foods, Jewel-Osco, bigg’s and Farm Fresh.