ExxonMobil Now Accepts ApplePay, But Rejects NFC. Bad Move

Wanting to avoid having to purchase and install NFC-friendly card readers at its stations, ExxonMobil has opted to use ApplePay but only as an in-app method, from within the petro company's own app. Although it might make short-term economic sense from ExxonMobil's perspective, it may be a big hit with over the long-term and it could damage some consumer perceptions of NFC payment convenience.

ApplePay has several solid user-experience advantages and cashiers at retailers that accept a lot of ApplePay transactions (think Whole Foods, TraderJoe's or McDonald's) typically find it the fastest payment experience. The service will be offered initially at 6,000 Exxon and Mobil gas stations in 46 states, with an additional 2,000 stores slated to join by this summer.