System and method to process transactions at retail fueling stations using a mobile device

A fueling system, comprising:

• a forecourt controller component configured to communicate electronically with a fuel dispenser;
• and
• a transaction gateway component that is external to the forecourt controller component and the fuel dispenser, is configured to communicate electronically with the forecourt controller component, and is configured to communicate electronically with a customer mobile device;
• wherein the transaction gateway component is configured to:
• receive information from the customer mobile device indicating a request for a customer purchase of fuel from the fuel dispenser,
• in response to the receipt of the information, transmit a message to the forecourt controller component to reserve the fuel dispenser for use by the customer,
• receive a payment authorization for the customer purchase of fuel from a payment-processing system that is external to the forecourt controller component, the transaction gateway component, and the customer mobile device, and
• in response to receipt of the payment authorization, transmit data to the forecourt controller component authorizing use of the fuel dispenser;
• wherein the forecourt controller component is configured to:
• in response to receipt of the message, cause the fuel dispenser to be reserved for use by the customer, and
• in response to receipt of the data, activate the fuel dispenser to dispense the fuel;
• and
• wherein the customer mobile device does not communicate directly with the forecourt controller component or the fuel dispenser.