Cash is on its way out. In fact, today, less than 40% of all vending machine purchases use cash. As fewer people carry cash, the more important it is that you switch your vending machines to card and contactless payments.
With a contactless card reader on your vending machine, you can accept cards, chip, and digital wallets like Apple and Google wallets. That makes it easier and faster for customers to buy products, even if they haven’t brought anything but their smartwatch.
Retrofitting a vending machine with contactless payments is also cheaper than replacing your machines. The 12 best contactless vending machine readers on this list average about £400 to £800 including installation. That’s a fraction of the cost of a new machine.
So, here are the 12 best options for a retrofit contact reader in the UK!
| Brand | Cost | Plug & Play | Payments Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyPOS Sigma | £350-£385 | Yes | All |
| Datecs BluePad-55 v2 | £200-£270 | Yes | Contactless, Magnet |
| Nayax VPOS Touch | £200-£350 | Yes | Contactless |
| Mei-pay | NA | Yes | Contactless |
| Vendon Contactless Card Reader | NA | Yes | Contactless, NFC |
| Cantaloupe P100 Pro | Custom | No | All |
| PayPlus | £300+ | No | All |
| Alio Pro | Custom | Yes | Contactless, magnet, chip |
| Alio Note | Custom | Yes | All |
| VMC | £8 per month | Yes | Contactless, Chip, PIN, NFC, Digital Wallet |
| Onyx Contactless Card Reader | £450-£599 | Yes | Contactless, Chip, NFC, Digital Wallet |
| Nayax VPOS Fusion | £450+ | Yes | All |
1. MyPOS Sigma
MyPOS is one of the first brands to offer retrofit contactless card readers for vending machines.
The MyPOS Mini was one of the most common models on the market. In fact, it’s directly used by vending manufacturers like Siro and Luope when retrofitting their own machines.
Today, the next generation of unattended POS for vending machines is the MyPOS Sigma. It’s small, cost-effective, integrates into most systems, and offers everything you could need from a vending machine card reader.
- MDB, RS-232, LAN, USB-C, and HDMI connections
- IP65 and IKO8 Certification
- Android 11
- 5” touchscreen
- Plug & Play integration
- Costs £350-£385
- 2.6% + 3p card fee
- Accepts contactless chip/card/digital wallet
Website: https://www.mypos.com/en-gb/buy-card-machine/unattended-payment-solution
2. Datecs BluePad-55 v2
Datecs is the most common vending machine contactless reader for small businesses. Why? It’s normally supplied and retrofitted by vending machine suppliers. This means that if you contact your supplier directly, you’re highly likely to get a Datecs model.
The BluePad-55 v2 is the best-selling model. It also offers a range of features. For example, you get an LCD display with a touch panel. You also get USB, LAN, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2G-4G connectivity. However, you’ll need a router to install it in a vending machine. Still, Datecs sells that too.
- RS-232, USB C, SAM, SIM, Wi-Fi, BT4.2 LE
- Optional battery
- IOS, Windows, Android
- 320 x 240 px touchscreen
- Plug & Play integration
- Contactless payments with VISA payWave
- Costs £200-£270
Website: https://www.datecs.bg/en/products/338
3. Nayax VPOS Touch
The VPOS Touch Credit card reader from Nayax is quickly becoming one of the most popular contactless readers for vending machines in the UK. The model is also supported by many manufacturers offering retrofits of their devices.
It’s also designed around the needs of vending payments. Plus, the VPOS Touch accepts over 80 different types of payments, in 50 currencies. You also get access to quick guides for self-installation, making this a great fit for small business owners.
- MDB, Pulse, VCSS, CCI, HDMI, USBC, SAM, RS-232, 45, Ethernet, LTE, Ethernet
- EMV, IP55 certifications
- Colour touchscreen
- Accepts 80+ payment types
- Plug & play integration
- Costs £200-£350
Website: https://www.nayax.com/solution/vpos-touch/
4. MEi-Pay
The MEi-Pay contactless reader is one of the best budget contactless readers on the market. The option allows you to retrofit existing vending machines for contactless payments. In addition, you can pair it with coin changers and continue to accept cash.
The MEi-pay mounts directly to the bill validator. You also get a kit to install in most vending machines. Plus, with the MIFARE open standard technology, you have more freedom to adapt your payment solution to your needs.
- MDB, USB-C, WiFi, LTE
- EMV certification
- Auto-configuration for easy installation
- Plug and play integration
- Accepts contactless payments
- Custom quote needed for pricing
Website: https://www.cranepi.com/en/products/payment-technology/cashless/closed-loop-devices/mei-pay
5. Vendon Contactless Card Reader
Vendon is another stripped-down contactless reader. The idea is that you get a simple payment solution you can easily add to existing vending machines.
That makes this a great fit for small businesses, especially those with only a few vending machines. Vendon processes payments for you, directly transferring funds to your business bank account.
- Compatible with all vBox2 vending machines
- Accepts NFC, contactless, and digital wallets
- EMV certified
- Annual fee + transaction fee custom to the user
- Plug and play integration
- Monthly rental rather than sale price
Website: https://vendon.net/
6. Cantaloupe P100 Pro
Cantaloupe is a manufacturer specialising in vending machines and self-service kiosks. It designs products for unattended sales. Its Engage card reader is specifically designed to retrofit cash vending machines to contactless.
It’s also priced at a flat rate. Plus, with a large service industry in the UK, you can get Cantaloupe to retrofit your machines for you.
- MDB, RS-232, LAN, USB-C, and HDMI connections
- Chip, contactless, digital wallet, magstripe, QR/Bar code
- Touchscreen
- Telemeter
- EMV, IK09 certifications
- Pricing is custom
Website: https://cantaloupeinc.co.uk/products/point-of-sale/card-readers/
7. Parlevel PayPlus
Parlevel and 365 Retail Markets are one of the largest vending machine distributors in the UK. These brands partnered with PayPlus to deliver the PayPlus card reader, which offers insert, swipe, and tap contactless payments.
You also get a support team, installation, and monitoring services. Plus, you’ll get an integrated app to track sales in real time, distribute coupons, and offer wallets to make it easier for customers to shop at your machines.
If you work with FOSO, you’ll also get Parlevel 365 Retail Markets contactless readers directly from your vending machine manufacturer.
- MDB and DEX preferred, MDB required, multidrop bus
- Accepts contactless cards, digital wallet, magstripe, and chip payments
- 3.5 inch display
- Supports custom pricing and promotions
- Monthly fee and transaction fee
- EMV certified
- Pricing from £300
Website: https://www.parlevelsystems.com/payplus/
8. Crane Alio Pro
The Alio Pro delivers everything you might want in a card reader in one, simple solution. With contactless, chip, magstripe, and digital wallets, you can accept all payments. Plus, you get a large touch screen with a customizable interface. You can also use closed loop payments.
It’s also one of the models of choice for Crane Payment Innovations. If you accept payments with Crane, you can automatically integrate any Alio device.
- USBA, USBC, I2C/GPIO, RS232 (4 and 5 pin), SAM, Ethernet, LTE
- Chip, Pin, Contactless, Magstripe, NFC
- 4.3” display
- EMV certified
- Remote management with Simplifi
- Advertising enabled
- Pricing is custom
Website: https://www.cranepi.com/en/products/payment-technology/cashless/card-readers/alio-pro
9. Crane Alio Note
Crane offers a second contactless card reader for vending machines if you want more features.
The Note offers contactless payments, ePayments, cash, and more. In addition, it has an antenna built-in, making installation even easier.
It also pairs with Crane CPI recyclers. That makes this one of the only full-solution vending card readers on the UK market. Therefore, it’s one of your best options if you want recyclers, coins, cash, and contactless payments.
- USB C, RS232 (DEX), CAN, MDB, MSR, LTE, SIM
- Internal antennae
- Chip, pin, contactless, cash, magstripe, NFC, barcode
- 2.8” Color display
- EMV, IP54 certification
- Pricing is custom
Website: https://www.cranepi.com/en/products/payment-technology/cashless/card-readers/alio-note
10. VMC
VMC is one of the largest suppliers of unattended payment solutions in the UK. In fact, it’s retrofitted vending machines with contactless readers for Snack in the Box, Asda, Aldi, NHBC, and others.
VMC also works with small businesses. However, you’ll likely want a larger number of vending machines before opting for this brand. It’s also one of the few solutions designed and developed right in the UK.
- Works with all DEX machines
- Accepts contactless, chip, pin, NFC, and digital wallet payments
- No internal controller
- Includes merchant agreement with direct payments available
- Real-time data and product/sales tracking
- Closed system integration with ePOS availability
- SIM
- £8 per month + transaction costs
- Typically included with merchant processing from Elavon, at 2.75%-3%
Website: https://www.vmcltd.co.uk/vending.aspx
11. Onyx Contactless Card Reader
The Nayax Onyx Contactless Card Reader is a card reader and telemetry device. Nayax is also quickly becoming the most popular self-service contactless card reader in the UK.
The Onyx delivers a small-format reader with a digital screen. You also get remote updates, voice compatibility, and custom authorisation settings.
- MDB, Pulse, VCSS, CCI, HDMI, USBC, SAM, RS-232, 45, Ethernet, LTE, Ethernet,
- EMV, IP55 certifications
- Colour touchscreen
- Plug and play installation
- Real-time data
- Voice navigation supported
- £450- £599
Website: https://www.nayax.com/solution/onyx/
12. Nayax VPOS Fusion
The Nayax VPOS Fusion is an all-in-one vending machine card reader offering support for all payment types. Plus, you get a bill validator and options to offer cash refunds.
The VPOS Fusion is famous for its stand-out yellow exterior. However, it’s also a top choice for business owners looking for a versatile card reader. For example, the Fusion offers multi-vend, supports voice, and comes with M2M telemetry.
- MDB, Pulse, VCCS, DEX, DDCMP, RS232, 4G-5G, Ethernet, GPRS< CDMA
- Supports contactless, chip, pin, magnet, mobile wallet, NFC, QR codes, and bills
- Remote monitoring
- Voice interaction
- Colour touchscreen
- £450+
Website: https://www.nayax.com/solution/vpos-fusion/
7 Vending Machines with Contactless Card Readers
Not every vending machine can be retrofitted with contactless payments. In fact, if your machine is older than about 2015, you probably can’t.
In that case, you might want to consider upgrading to one of these 7 best vending machines with contactless card readers available in the UK.
1. Necta Swing
The Necta Swing is a mid-size vending machine with a contactless reader built in.
It also supports up to 3 payment systems including cash, card, and company key cards. You also get 44 selections across up to 6 trays or spirals.
- Available for rent, lease, or purchase
- Price range from £4,500
- 44 selections
- Available at all major vending machine suppliers in the UK
2. Evoca Orchestra
Orchestra is an 8 spiral vending machine with built-in contactless payments. The aluminum cabinet features a touchpad and color graphic display. You can also vend up to 53 kg loads.
The system is also configurable, allowing for up to 10 single selections.
- Available for rent, lease, or purchase
- 46 selections
- Up to 8 trays/8 spirals
- Supports cash, contactless, key cards, and card
- Price range from £5,400
3. Saeco Artico
The Saeco Artico is a cold/warm vending machine available in 3 sizes. It supports variable temperatures for adding cold food. You can also add an optional hot drink dispenser to the side.
The digital screen also supports memos and ads. Plus, with MDB, BDV, and executive payment systems, you can chain your machines in parallel.
- Available for lease or rent
- 24-56 spirals/trays
- Up to 80 selections
- Supports 3 parallel payment systems
- From £80-£400 per month
4. Coffetek Neo
The Coffeetek Neo is a multi-beverage dispenser complete with contactless payments. The model dispenses most different cups including paper, plastic, and 12 oz takeaway cups.
You can also set up text alerts for when products are low in stock. Different models also mean you can opt for basic, espresso, tea, and other beverages, or serve all simultaneously.
- Digital selection screen
- Accepts card, cashless, contactless, and coin payments
- Customizable to most warm beverages
- Up to 34 beverage combinations per machine
- Maximum of 6 selections
- 550 cups capacity
- Costs from £5,700
5. Westomatic Elevate
The Westomatic Elevate is a rear-loading drink vending machine. It accepts contactless payments out of the box. It also supports up to 9 column sections of cans or bottles, configurable to fit cans to 850 ml bottles.
A 7” touch display also gives you room to advertise, including combos and deals on the machine.
- Large touchscreen
- Accepts card, cashless, contactless payments
- Customizable to large or small drinks
- Refrigerated
- 7-9 columns of selections for a maximum of 88 selections
- Available to lease, rent, or buy
6. Crane Merchant Ambient Media
CPI made the list of our best contactless card readers for vending machines. So, it makes sense they also make the list of best contactless vending machines.
The Merchant Ambient Media 2 also offers a 9” touchscreen. That gets you programmable coupons and ads. You also get remote updates and management, multi-product purchase, and even nutritional information.
- 12-18 spiral, shelves
- Contactless, card, and cash payments
- Lockable cash box option
- Multi-configurable
- Costs from £5,500
7. Crane Merchant Combo Media 2
The Crane Merchant Combo Media 2 is a drink and snack vending machine. It also natively supports contactless payments, card, chip, and cash. You can also fully merchandise the machine with your own colours and branding. Plus, the 9” color touchscreen offers plenty of room for deals, ads, and shopping carts.
- Programmable refrigeration
- 38-72 selections
- Lockable cash box option
- Multi-configurable
- Costs from £5,400
FAQ
How much do contactless vending machine card readers cost?
In most cases, you can expect to pay an average of £400-£800 per contactless card reader you install. However, this normally includes installation costs.
In addition, most pricing is negotiable. This means that the more vending machines you have, the less you’ll pay per machine.
Most contactless card machines also come with merchant account fees and charges. Here, you can expect £5-£25 per month and transaction fees from about 2%+3p to about 4.95%.
Can you use one card reader for all your vending machines?
Usually, no. However, you can use a parallel standard like MDB, BDV, or Executive payment systems to chain multiple payment systems on a single vending machine.
That means you can continue to accept cash or cardless payments on a vending machine with a contactless reader. However, you will generally need a single card reader per machine.
What are the exceptions? Some vending machines are designed to be wired in parallel so that you have drinks, snacks, and hot drinks on the same system. In this case, you can likely use a single contactless card reader for the entire parallel system.
How do credit card vending machines work?
Credit card vending machines link a contactless machine to the existing payment solutions in your vending machine. This means you’ll need a vending machine with a connection and payment type that matches your card reader.
The most common payment connection is MDB. However, that also comes in multiple variations. Therefore, you’ll want to check the specifications on your machine before you go looking for a card reader.
In addition, most card readers work over GSM (2G-5G) and need an antenna. You’ll have to mount this internally inside the vending machine, unless you have a card reader with a built-in antennae.
Finally, it’s almost always a good idea to hire a technician to fit your card reader for you. Most card readers will require calibration. Some may require software updates from the manufacturer to work with your vending machine.
If you’re hoping to do the work yourself, you might be able to and then have a technician finish with calibration. Some card readers also auto-calibrate.
In addition, many plug-and-play models can simply be plugged in and will auto-update to work with your machine if the machine is compatible.
Why do you need a vending card reader?
Payments are increasingly cash free. Contactless payments mean that customers can quickly make a purchase without digging out their bank card or inputting a PIN code. Instead, you’ll get fast, convenient, and low-barrier sales.
Contactless also allows digital wallets like Apple and Google, meaning you can make sales through phone and smartwatch payments.
Today, 15% of the UK population doesn’t carry cash at all. But, more than 70% of purchases are cash free.
Having contactless and card payments makes it easier for customers to buy – even if they don’t have small change or cash on them. So, chances are that adding contactless payments increases your customer base, meaning you’ll make more sales.
Is it better to buy a card reader for a vending machine or replace the vending machine?
In most cases, it’s cheaper, faster, and easier to buy a card reader for your vending machine than to replace the whole thing. Contactless readers start at about 10% of the cost of a new vending machine. Upgrading to a contactless reader can increase your customer base and sales – without spending thousands per machine.
In addition, contactless readers often come with LED or touch screens. This means you can upgrade older machines to look new and offer modern menu systems, multi-order, and even discounts and bundle purchases.
Of course, you might have to contact the supplier or the manufacturer to retrofit your old vending machine.
Can I install a card reader on my vending machine(s)?
A card reader includes a telemeter, an interface, a card validator, and an antennae. In most cases, this means you’ll need a vending machine with space inside for the antennae and the telemeter. You’ll also need a machine with an MDB connection.
So, you can check:
- Is your vending machine manufactured on or after 2015?
- Does the vending machine have an MDB connection? Which kind? (You’ll have to match to the card reader you buy.)
- Does your vending machine support multiple payment validators or will you have to remove the old one? Modern machines support up to three but old models might only support one.
- Does your machine require a software update to validate contactless payments and process purchases?
- Can you drill holes for the antennae, telemeter mount, and lead lines for the interface?
In most cases, you can see a list of available connections in the user manual for the vending machine. Check that, match it to any card reader you intend to purchase, and make sure you buy the right card reader.
Choosing a Contactless Vending Machine Reader
It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re buying a contactless vending machine reader, compatibility is the most important consideration. You’ll want to check if the card reader can be installed into your vending machine. Here, plug and play installation is a great perk. Otherwise, you might have to hire a technician. However, some card readers will come with installation included in the purchase price.
If you want help finding the best contactless card reader for your vending machines, use the form below. We’ll match your volume and technology needs to a supplier, complete with installation costs, monthly fees, and transaction rates, and send you the best quotes!