The Complete Guide to NFC Technology in Laundromats

Modern laundromats are moving past coin slots and token changers. Customers now expect tap-and-go payments, just like at the grocery store. NFC makes that possible.

NFC is built into many laundromat tools, from customer apps to loyalty programs. It saves time, cuts theft, and makes contactless payment in laundromats simple. This guide explains what NFC is and why it’s quickly becoming the new normal in laundry.

What are NFC Card Readers in a Laundromat?

Near Field Communication, better known as NFC, is the tech that makes tap-to-pay possible. You’ve seen it with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit cards. Laundromats use it too, letting customers pay by tapping a card or phone on the reader.

With NFC, laundromat owners get a smooth laundromat payment system that connects to rewards and staff tools, without the hassle of coins.

Why Contactless Solutions Matter

People aren’t carrying as much cash anymore. Many now use their phone or watch to pay. If your laundromat doesn’t take touchless payment systems, they may head to one that does.

Beyond convenience, NFC helps operators:

• Reduce maintenance from coin jams and broken bill acceptors

• Eliminate the risks of theft and cash handling

• Gather valuable data on machine use and customer behavior

• Offer promotions and loyalty rewards automatically

Contactless is no longer just a “perk”—it’s a competitive necessity.

NFC Card Readers for Laundromats

How NFC Readers Work

NFC readers connect directly to washers and dryers. Customers tap their card or phone to the reader, which deducts the balance instantly and starts the cycle.

Because there are no exposed slots or swipes, NFC readers are more durable and require less upkeep than traditional magnetic stripe or chip readers.

Benefits Over Coins

• Faster transactions

• No lost revenue from coin shortages

• Lower theft risk

• Ability to set flexible pricing (happy hours, reload bonuses, or free dry promos)

Easy to Install

Most NFC readers, including those readers from Laundroworks, are plug-and-play with minimal setup required. They work across major machine brands, making it simple to upgrade existing equipment.

Mobile App Integration

NFC doesn’t stop at card readers—it also powers modern laundromat mobile apps.

With apps like LaundryCat, Laundroworks’ customer app and WashLynx, a mobile app for attendants and employees, customers can:

• Add funds with a credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

• Tap their phone on the reader to start machines

• Watch your cycles live and get alerted when they finish

• Add funds right away in the app or at the VAC kiosk

It keeps things easy for customers and enables owners to engage them with targeted promotions and marketing messages.

Digital Loyalty Programs

Coins can’t build loyalty, but NFC can. Laundroworks’ tap-to-pay loyalty cards and integrated mobile promotions make it easy to keep customers coming back.

Operators can set:

• Earn bonus credits (like $2 free for every $20 you add)

• Get discounts during certain hours

• Take advantage of specials like “wash 9, get the 10th free”

Because loyalty balances are stored on the card or in the app, customers don’t lose their money if they misplace a card. Owners also gain better insight into usage patterns to plan smarter promotions.

Business Benefits for Operators

Adopting smart laundromat technology like NFC goes beyond customer satisfaction. It delivers direct business advantages:

• Lower theft risk with little to no loose cash in machines or drawers

• Track sales, machine health, and promos as they happen

• Less maintenance with no jammed coin slots to repair

• Quick digital payment solutions for laundry and special perks to win customer loyalty

Choosing the Right NFC System

When selecting an NFC solution, consider:

• Compatibility: Ensure readers work with your existing machine brands

• Integration: Look for cashless laundromat systems built to connect with kiosks, loyalty cards, and POS management tools

• Staff training: Train staff so they can serve customers and manage machines in the app

• Scalability: Pick a setup that can handle expansion to new stores

Laundroworks’ platform, for example, offers readers, kiosks, customer app, employee app, and management software—a full ecosystem built for modern laundromats.

Next Steps for Operators

If your laundromat still runs on coins, now is the time to explore NFC laundry solutions. You can start small with card readers and loyalty cards, then add customer and employee apps to unlock the full potential of contactless laundry payments technology.

Laundroworks makes it easy to get started with pricing designed for laundromat operators—explore our pricing options today.

Ready to Modernize Your Business?

NFC isn’t just the future of laundromats—it’s already here. With contactless pay, loyalty perks, and staff tracking, it helps owners run safer and more profitable stores.

Ready to see a smart card laundromat in action? Book a demo with Laundroworks and find out how wireless payment for laundry through NFC can change your laundromat.