Data Security at C-Stores a Concern for 6 in 10 Consumers

NACS
April 16, 2019
Just 7% of Americans prefer to use a mobile app payment at the pump and at c-stores.
NAPLES, Fla. – Sixty-two percent of U.S. adults are concerned about the security of their financial data when paying at fuel pumps and convenience stores, an online survey by YouGov and ACI Worldwide found. Researchers looked at shopping and payment habits at grocery stores and fuel and c-stores, finding that only 7% of Americans prefer to use a mobile app payment at the pump and at c-stores.
“Skimming devices at gas pumps are frequently used to steal consumers’ financial data, hence the high level of concern with data security at gas pumps,” said Benny Tadele, vice president of Merchant Solutions at ACI Worldwide in a press release. “However, few consumers are aware that digital wallet payments are not only faster and easier, but they are generally more secure than traditional methods of payment.”
Of those surveyed, 52% of respondents said they are concerned about the privacy of financial data. When looking at the various generations, Baby Boomers are the most concerned (70%) about financial data security.
But when it comes to the overall purchasing experience and fuel and convenience stores, more respondents (36%) are only “somewhat satisfied” compared with those who are very satisfied (27%) with their overall payment experience.
More than half of customers prefer to pay with a credit or debit card, and 21% prefer cash. Of those 10% who have paid with a mobile app, 83% are satisfied with their experience when looking at speed and convenience.
“As Gen Z continues to gain purchasing power, retailers and merchants need to consider offering digital wallet payments as an option or be left out,” Tadele said. “By addressing security through tokenization, point-to-point encryption and fraud prevention and detection tools, merchants are increasing consumers’ confidence in using these convenient channels of payment.”
NACS data show that 29 million Americans refuel with a credit or debit card every day. A February NACS Convenience Matters podcast discusses how retailers can prevent skimming at the pump. Additional guidance and resources on skimming prevention, including Conexxus-hosted webinars, are available at convenience.org/skimming.