Muscat - Fuel retailer Shell Oman Marketing Company on Sunday said it has tied up with Bank Muscat, the sultanate’s flagship lender, to become one of its first partners in the country to accept contactless card payments.
Following the tie up, Shell service stations have implemented Bank Muscat’s secure and robust, contactless ‘Just Tap’ point of sale (PoS) systems for the ease of payment and security for consumers.
‘This means that payments can be made using contactless cards issued by any bank in Oman,’ Shell said in a press statement.
‘One of the unique aspects of the facility is the use of ATEX certified wireless card terminals at Shell service stations in Oman. The ATEX terminals incorporate European Union directives on equipment usage in inflammable and explosive environments. ATEX wireless card terminals are certified for safe usage in fuel stations,’ the statement said.
Speaking about the new tie-up, Amjad Iqbal al Lawati, AGM - cards and ebanking at Bank Muscat, said, “Bank Muscat has traditionally had a very strong relationship with Shell Oman Marketing Company and their decision to enable contactless card payments at Shell service stations using Bank Muscat’s contactless ‘Just Tap’ PoS system builds further on an already strong relationship.”
“We look forward to working with them to promote digital payment channels in line with the government’s vision of facilitating e-payments for greater security, convenience and ease of use,” he said.
Commenting on the strategic partnership, Khalid al Awaisi, retail country manager at Shell Oman Marketing Company said, “Our partnership with Bank Muscat is another historic milestone for Shell Oman Marketing, allowing our customers their first full-scale contactless experience.”
He said contactless digital payment is a step to move forward towards cashless transactions; as a way to provide a more secure and convenient payment option for their customers.
“We have started this step with Shell Azaiba service station, with plans to enable it across all Shell service stations in the sultanate. Through our strategic tie-up with Bank Muscat, we aim to make the experience of each and every customer driving into a Shell service station, even more convenient,” Awaisi added.
Bank Muscat is also currently running a special promotion for all its debit card and prepaid cardholders to make payments using their cards at Shell service stations as part of its ‘Pay and Win’ campaign till July 31.