What you need to know about fuel apps
Fuel apps are useful companions for drivers. They help them to simplify the refueling process and make it more efficient. These apps offer various functions such as finding petrol stations, comparing current fuel prices and mobile payment directly at the pump. With just a few clicks, users can see where the nearest cheap petrol station is located and conveniently complete the payment process via smartphone.
Fuel apps differ in terms of their core functions and objectives. The three most important types are:
According to the ADAC, there are over 14,000 petrol stations in Germany. Petrol apps can help users to find the nearest petrol station quickly and easily. The search can be carried out according to various criteria, such as distance, brand or service offer. Some fuel apps also offer route planning and navigation for the petrol station search.
Fuel prices at petrol stations are subject to daily fluctuations. The price of petrol or diesel can often rise or fall within a few hours. Fuel apps allow users to compare fuel prices at different petrol stations in real time in order to always find the cheapest petrol station.
Apps with an integrated payment function allow users to pay directly at the pump with their smartphone, avoiding waiting times at the till and enabling contactless payment.
Using a fuel app saves time and money, as it displays the cheapest fuel prices at all times and enables mobile payment. Many apps also offer attractive discount promotions, bonus programs and additional convenience through digital invoices and receipts.
The advantages of fuel apps at a glance:
The free PACE Drive fuel app offers convenient mobile payment directly at the pump at a large network of petrol stations. Advantages include a user-friendly interface, automatic invoicing and compatibility with various petrol station brands.
The ryd Tank app is particularly flexible thanks to extensive partnerships with various petrol station chains. In addition to mobile payment, ryd offers additional services such as vehicle data management via the optional ryd Box.
Ideal for regular Shell customers, the Shell app offers mobile payment and integration into the Shell ClubSmart bonus program, including exclusive discounts and promotions.
The Clever Tanken app combines a price history and a price forecast for each filling station in its price comparisons. It also provides statistics on which city has the cheapest fuel. The app also has a mobile payment function. However, this is not yet available nationwide.
fillibri scores points with its intuitive operation and wide availability at petrol stations throughout Germany. Payment is made conveniently via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
The tankstar app enables fast mobile payment at star petrol stations. The payment process is quick and easy via QR codes directly at the petrol pump.
To find the cheapest petrol station with a fuel app, you should regularly compare prices. Some apps provide practical price alerts for this purpose. Planning your route in advance with an integrated price overview can also help you to identify cheap filling stations along your planned route.
Since 2013, all petrol station operators have had to report price changes at their pumps to the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels at the Federal Cartel Office (MTSK) within five minutes. However, this only applies to the fuels Super E5, Super E10 and diesel. The MTSK then passes this data on to app providers. This means that all fuel apps access the same source of information for fuel prices. If there are still price differences between the app and the petrol station, this is due to the time delay in data transmission.
Fuel apps simplify everyday life considerably, save time and reduce costs when filling up. Each app presented has its own special advantages, so drivers should choose according to their own preferences and needs.
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Are fuel apps free of charge?
Yes, most fuel apps are available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Some fuel apps can also offer premium features.
Can I pay anywhere with any fuel app?
No. Whether you can make mobile payments with the fuel app depends on the cooperation with petrol stations.
Are the prices in fuel apps up to date?
Yes, as the prices are regularly updated by the Bundeskartellamt's Market Transparency Office and are displayed in real time in the fuel apps.
Is mobile payment via the fuel app secure?
Yes, mobile payment via the fuel app is secure. Payment information is transmitted in encrypted form and modern security mechanisms such as two-factor authentication provide additional protection
