From Coins to Cards: Laundromat Upgrade (Short-form Checklist)

Running a laundromat is no small job, and relying only on coins makes it harder every year. With fewer people carrying cash (and even fewer carrying quarters), customers increasingly find coin-only machines inconvenient. Collecting and counting coins takes time, older machines are more likely to jam, and coin boxes remain a target for theft. 

In 2026, going coinless is not just a nice-to-have. It is how modern laundromats compete. Digital payment systems reduce maintenance headaches, improve security, give you real-time data on your business, and let customers pay the way they already pay for everything else: with a tap of their phone or card.

This checklist will guide you through the process and help you make the transition with confidence.

Why Upgrade from Coins to Cards?

Problems with coin operated laundromats

• Many people no longer carry cash and like paying with cards instead

• Counting and handling coins takes a lot of time and work

• Coins can jam machines, causing repairs and downtime

• Laundromats with only coins can be a target for theft

• You have to take frequent trips to the bank to deposit coins

• Machines that only accept coins may limit your customer base

• Laundromats that don’t accept cards can appear outdated and less convenient

• Handling large amounts of coins increases the risk of accounting errors and loss

• Coin machines require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly, adding to operational costs

Benefits of a card based laundromat payment system

• Customers pay with cards, mobile apps, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

• No more coin jams or stuck-change breakdowns

• Little to no loose cash on-site means significantly less theft risk

• NFC-enabled readers connect to loyalty programs and promotional tools automatically

• Track earnings, machine health, and customer behavior in real time through your management portal

• Attract customers who expect coinless options, especially younger demographics

• Digital transactions are faster, reducing wait times during busy hours

• Loyalty programs like reload bonuses and free-cycle promos keep customers coming back

• Automated payment tracking eliminates manual accounting errors

Is It Time to Upgrade? A Quick Checklist

 Have you updated any of your laundromat’s machines or software recently?

Older machines use more energy, which can raise your utility bills. Upgraded machines with card readers can also bring in more customers who like the convenience of cashless payments. Modern card readers also connect to your management software and loyalty tools right out of the box. 

 Do you feel confident in how your financial reports are tracked and analyzed?

Card systems keep track of payments automatically, which makes accounting easier. Digital tracking reduces mistakes and helps keep financial records accurate. Real-time reporting gives you an accurate picture of revenue, machine performance, and promotion results, with no manual counting required.

 How much time do you spend carrying quarters to the bank?

Using less cash can save time and make things easier. Without collecting coins, you can lower labor costs and keep your business more secure. Handling less cash also reduces the risk of theft or mistakes in counting money.

 Are customers requesting digital or card payment options?

In 2026, most customers expect coinless payment. If your competitors offer it and you do not, you are sending customers elsewhere. Tap-to-pay is now a baseline expectation, not a differentiator.

 Are you losing customers because they don’t have coins?

Letting customers pay with cards and mobile apps can bring in more business. Mobile payment options like the LaundryCat app let customers load funds, tap their phone to start machines, and monitor their cycles live, all without needing coins. That frictionless experience drives repeat visits. 

Five Steps to Switch to Card Payments

1. Research and choose a payment system 

• Compare different card payment systems

• Look for options that work with your existing machine brands

• Factor in setup costs, transaction fees, and customer ease of use

• Consider hybrid options that accept both coins and cards during the transition period

• Evaluate mobile app integrations: customer-facing apps like LaundryCat and staff apps like WashLynx add significant operational value

• Read operator reviews and case studies from real laundromat owners

Download the 2026 Payment Hardware Buying Guide for a full side-by-side comparison of every major US system, including pricing, features, and honest advice before making the switch.

2. Talk to your equipment distributor

• Contact your distributor to confirm machine compatibility with NFC readers

• Ask about installation services to simplify the process

• Get recommendations on the best systems for your laundromat

• Inquire about warranty and support services for new payment systems

• Request a demo of available card payment options to see them in action before making a decision

3. Schedule installation at the right time

• Plan for installation during slow hours to avoid disruptions

• Notify customers in advance via signage, social media, and any app or text channels you use

• Make sure technicians properly install and test the system

• Run a pilot program on a few machines before upgrading your entire laundromat

• Have a backup plan in case of technical issues during the transition

4. Train your staff

• Teach employees how to assist customers using card payments

• Provide guides for troubleshooting common issues

• Train staff on reporting tools, because real-time dashboards are only useful if your team knows how to read them

• If you are using an attendant app like WashLynx, include NFC-based staff check-in and machine monitoring in training

• Offer staff incentives for helping customers adopt the new payment method smoothly

5. Educate your customers

• Post clear, visible signage explaining how to use the new payment system, including bilingual materials where appropriate

• Offer a discount or promotion for customers who try it

• Have someone available to answer questions in the first few weeks

• Use social media to explain the benefits of the new system

• Consider adding a help desk or online FAQ section for common customer concerns

Addressing Common Concerns About Card Payments

What if my customers still want to use coins?

Hybrid machines let you offer both options during the transition. Starting with a mix of coinless and coin machines gives loyal customers time to adjust while you introduce the new system. Offering small reload bonuses or discounts for coinless payments can help move customers in the right direction without forcing the change. 

Are card payment systems expensive?

There are upfront costs, but the return is measurable. Operators using modern coinless systems have reported 20 to 35% revenue growth in the first year, driven by reduced theft, lower labor costs, faster transactions, and higher customer retention through loyalty programs.

What about NFC and mobile payments specifically?

NFC is already built into most smartphones and modern credit cards. Customers tap their phone or card on the reader and the cycle starts instantly, with no app download required for basic payments. For customers who do download LaundryCat, they get added features: live cycle tracking, push alerts when laundry is done, and the ability to load funds from anywhere.

How can I help my staff and customers get used to the change?

Giving clear instructions and allowing time for customers to adjust will make switching to card payments easier. Helping customers with questions about digital payments can make the switch easier. Offering small discounts or rewards can also encourage more people to try it.

What’s Next for Coin Operated Laundromats?

The stores that made the switch early are already ahead. More returning customers, fewer maintenance headaches, cleaner books, and the ability to manage their business from anywhere.

Every week a store runs on quarters is a week of revenue insights, loyalty opportunities, and repeat visits left on the table.

A coinless system is the infrastructure for everything a modern laundromat needs to grow: loyalty programs, dynamic pricing, and remote management that keeps you in control without keeping you on-site.

Laundroworks is built specifically for laundromat operators, with NFC readers, loyalty card integration, a customer app, a staff app, and a management portal that gives you full visibility from anywhere. Schedule a demo today to see it in action, or explore pricing.