The complete guide to cashless vending: how to start accepting payments
1. Why the switch to cashless payments is important
If you're in the vending business, you’ve probably noticed that fewer and fewer people are carrying cash. The world is becoming increasingly digital, and customers expect to be able to pay conveniently with a tap or a scan. This is where a vending machine card reader comes into play.
Switching to a cashless vending system isn’t just trendy. It can increase sales, reduce maintenance and increase the appeal of your vending machines. No more jammed coins or problems with cash pickup. Instead, you get faster transactions and a better customer experience.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to select and install a card reader for vending machines. We’ll compare your choices and help you set it up so you can accept payments with ease. Whether you're upgrading an existing vending machine or installing a new one, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision.
2. What payment options are available for vending machines?
Vending machines today support various payment options. Here is a brief overview:
- Cash payment – Customers insert coins or bills into the machine, but fewer and fewer people carry cash these days, so this is less convenient.
- Card payments – Customers swipe, insert or tap their debit or credit cards, allowing for quick and hassle-free transactions.
- Mobile payments – Apple Pay, Google Pay and other NFC-based systems allow users to pay with their smartphones, reducing the number of touchpoints.
- QR code payments – Customers scan a QR code with their phone to pay, making it easy for digital wallet users.
- Hybrid systems – vending machines that accept both cash and cashless payments appeal to a wider audience and ensure flexibility.
With a vending payment system, you can combine these options to best serve your customers.
However, cashless and contactless payments have clear advantages. They speed up transactions, reduce the risk of vandalism (as there is no cash inside) and encourage impulse purchases. Many vending machine operators say their sales increase by 15-25% when they install a vending card reader. Customers like it because they don’t have to worry about making change.
Also, modern credit card vending solutions have telemetry. So you can monitor sales remotely. This makes inventory management more efficient and helps you replenish stock exactly when it's needed. The simplicity of digital transactions also means that customers are happier and more likely to return.
3. What is cashless selling?
Cashless vending simply means that customers can shop without using cash. Instead, they use a vending card reader, QR code or mobile wallet to complete transactions.
Why is this a big step forward? Because people love the convenience. They don’t want to fumble for coins — they want to tap their mobile phone and get a drink instantly.
For vending operators, contactless vending means:
- Fewer cash handling issues and fewer maintenance calls. No need to remove jammed notes or refill change dispensers.
- Reduced risk of theft or vandalism. Cashless vending machines are less attractive to thieves as there is no cash to steal.
- More sales because customers are more likely to buy when they pay digitally. People are more willing to make impulse purchases with cashless payments.
- Real-time transaction tracking and revenue insights with telemetry for vending. Operators can monitor vending machine performance and revenue remotely.
- Easier compliance with modern payment security standards. Secure transactions protect both customers and vending businesses.
Many vending operators are switching completely to credit card vending to increase efficiency. Choose the right credit card reader for your vending machine. This will future-proof your business and increase profits.
Cashless payments also allow for dynamic pricing, meaning you can remotely adjust prices to demand. This is particularly useful in busy locations where flexible pricing can maximise sales.
4. How do vending machine owners get card reader payments?
If you’re wondering how to install a credit card reader for a vending machine, here’s what you need to do:
- Check vending machine compatibility. Make sure your vending machine supports an external card reader. Most modern vending machines use an MDB or EXE interface, which allows seamless integration with payment readers.
- Choose a vending card reader brand. There are several options, but it’s best to choose a plug-and-play solution that simplifies setup and avoids complicated configurations.
- Choose a payment processor. Some vending machine card readers have integrated payment processing, while others require a separate acquiring service, which can affect transaction fees.
- Install the device. Attach the reader to your vending machine and connect it properly to the existing vending machine interface.
- Set up network connection. Some readers work over Wi-Fi, others need 4G or Ethernet to ensure reliable payment transactions even in remote locations.
- Activate and test the transactions. Make sure the system works smoothly before handing it over to customers by testing multiple payment types.
- Monitor your revenue. Use telemetry for vending to track transactions and sales in real time to optimise your machine stocking and pricing strategies.
A complete vending payment system makes it easy to manage everything. You can manage transactions, track reports and check machine performance – all in one place.
Vending machine operators don't just have to think about the cost of installation. These include fees for cashless payment and maintenance costs. However, these are often outweighed by increased sales and efficiency. With the right setup, you can improve customer satisfaction and reduce operational issues.
5. How to easily accept cashless vending payments
If you're looking for a simple and modern solution for accepting card payments, the Aurency A250 is your best bet:
- Plug & play installation – No complicated set-up, so you can get started without any technical expertise.
- All-in-one solution – Accepts cards, NFC, QR codes and mobile payments and offers maximum flexibility for customers.
- Processing included – No need to find a separate provider, simplifying payment management.
- Super affordable – Transaction fees from 1.85% keep costs low and devices are available from as little as £149, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Secure and durable – IP67 rated and PCI DSS compliant, guaranteeing security and long-term reliability.
- Reliable support – Get help whenever you need it, ensuring smooth operation with no downtime.
With the Aurency card reader, you can start accepting payments right away, even without technical expertise. With built-in telemetry for vending machines, you can monitor transactions in real time. This gives you insight into sales trends and vending machine performance. This means less manual labour, better tracking and increased revenue for your vending business.
Get a free demo of Aurency A250 - a universal cashless solution for vending and unattended retail.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a vending machine card reader is one of the best investments you can make as a vending machine operator. Customers expect fast, hassle-free payments, and cashless vending ensures that you never lose a sale for lack of change.
A modern vending payment system increases revenue and simplifies vending machine management. It includes features such as telemetry for vending. Choose Aurency if you're looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to accept contactless payments in vending.
Installing a credit card system for a vending machine can be quite simple. Whether you're doing it for the first time or upgrading, going touchless will help your business. It also improves the customer experience.
