BMW: use your car keys to make payments

a user making a purchase using their BMW car key

BMW group research and technology has developed a prototype for a multifunctional car key. through the use of a security chip (which communicates with a card reader via radio) that is inserted into an electronic key device, your car keys can give you the ability not only to access your vehicle, but also make cashless payments, functioning as a personalized credit card. the key can also be seen as a mobility device. the holder of the key is able to access personal data such as subscriptions to services, address books or favourite radio stations from inside their BMW, or any BMW hire car. this links the keys to the car owner rather than just a car, making them more of a personalized mobility device.

payment for tickets at the subway, carpark etc. could potentially be done using your car keys

of course you would still use the device to access your car

any purchasing or personal account information can be accessed online