Can a Coin Laundry System Be Converted to Card Payments?

Oct 27

4 min read

Coins have kept laundromats running for decades, but customer expectations are changing. Not everyone carries loonies anymore, and the last thing a customer wants is to hunt for change before starting a load of laundry.

So, does offering card payments mean saying goodbye to your existing machines?

Person inserting a coin into a commercial laundry machine at a self-service laundromat.

Not necessarily! Many coin-operated laundry systems can be upgraded to accept card payments without replacing every washer and dryer. The key is knowing which equipment can be converted, what the investment involves, and whether the upgrade makes financial sense for your business.

At Harco Co Ltd., we help laundromat owners, investors, and commercial laundry facility managers make informed decisions about their equipment and payment systems. After all, modernizing your laundromat is about more than swapping coins for cards. It is about making laundry day easier for your customers, simplifying daily operations, and keeping your business competitive and profitable.

How Does a Coin Laundry to Card Conversion Work?

Converting a coin-operated laundry to a card payment system starts with your existing equipment. Not every washer or dryer is necessarily compatible with full card integration, so assessing each machine before planning a conversion is important.

Depending on your facility, you might choose a card-only system or retain both card and coin payment options. If some older machines are approaching replacement age, it may also make more financial sense to introduce new card reader laundry equipment rather than retrofit every machine.

Operators comparing their options can also explore Harco's coin-op washer/dryer and single-load washer and dryer before deciding how extensively to modernize.

What Are the Benefits of Card Payment Laundry Systems?

The biggest advantage is flexibility. A card-enabled laundromat gives customers another way to pay without requiring them to arrive with enough coins for every wash and dry cycle. From an operator's perspective, reducing reliance on coins can also reduce some of the work associated with handling, counting, depositing, and providing change. Card payments, however, introduce their own ongoing processing costs, so both sides of the equation deserve consideration.

Do Card Payment Systems Reduce Theft and Vandalism?

Yes, they can help reduce certain risks. By reducing the amount of cash stored inside laundry machines, card payment systems make coin compartments less attractive to thieves and minimize cash handling. This can help lower the risk of theft and vandalism targeting coin mechanisms. However, card systems do not replace essential security measures such as surveillance cameras, proper lighting, and regular equipment maintenance.

For investors planning a new location, Harco's laundry store solutions are a useful starting point for comparing equipment. Operators can consider established options such as Maytag coin laundry, Whirlpool coin laundry, and Speed Queen coin laundry, alongside DOMUS coin/card laundry equipment.

Is Mobile Payment Better Than Laundry Cards?

It depends on your customers' preferences and how your laundromat operates. Mobile payments allow customers to pay for wash and dry cycles directly from their smartphones, provided the system supports this feature. Prepaid laundry cards, on the other hand, offer a convenient option for customers who prefer using a reloadable card without relying on a smartphone. For laundromat owners, the decision also comes down to transaction fees, equipment compatibility, and ease of management. Some payment systems even support both options, giving customers greater flexibility.

Should You Keep Coins or Switch Completely to Cards?

There is no universal answer. A fully cashless laundromat may simplify coin handling and provide greater pricing flexibility, while a hybrid coin-and-card laundry system maintains a familiar payment choice for customers who still prefer coins.

Before committing, consider:

the age and compatibility of your current machines
the number of washers and dryers being converted
your customers' preferred payment methods
equipment and installation costs
card transaction and processing fees
your plans for future expansion or equipment replacement

Customer communication matters too. When introducing new payment technology, clear signage and staff support can make the transition easier for regular customers.

What Does a Coin-to-card Laundry Conversion Cost?

There is no single cost that applies to every laundromat. Your investment depends on your existing equipment, the number of machines involved, their compatibility, and whether you retrofit equipment or replace some machines entirely.

This is where professional planning becomes valuable. Harco Co Ltd. can assist with laundry facility design and professional installation, helping operators approach modernization as a complete business decision rather than simply a payment-system upgrade.

Plan Beyond the Payment System

A successful laundromat depends on more than how customers pay. Equipment reliability, maintenance, employee knowledge, and long-term support should factor into your modernization plan. Harco Co Ltd. provides ongoing parts & services, as well as equipment training and information about applicable warranties.

Converting from coin laundry to card payments can be a practical upgrade, but the right system depends on your machines, customers, operating costs, and long-term plans. Harco Co Ltd. can help you determine whether retrofitting, replacing equipment, or adopting a hybrid payment approach makes the most sense for your facility.