Comparison of Laundromat Payment Systems (U.S. Market)
Below, we provide a detailed comparison of the leading laundromat payment solutions available in the United States. It examines the benefits and limitations of each system, including considerations for fraud risks, customer adoption, and operator control. Platforms covered: KioSoft, CCI (FasCard and LaundryCard), LaundroWorks, Cents, SpyderWash, Airwallet, Speed Queen Insights, PayRange, and ESD.
Quick Comparison
| Vendor | Core Model | Coins? | Payment Options | Ops/Features | Best For | Limitations |
| KioSoft | Readers + kiosks | Hybrid | Mobile wallet, cards | Hardware + kiosk suite | Large/multi-store operators | Processor terms not public |
| CCI FasCard | Retrofit hybrid | Yes | Credit/debit, loyalty, app | Flexible processor choice, penny pricing | Gradual coin-to-cashless conversion | Per-machine readers required |
| CCI LaundryCard | Closed-loop card | No | Store loyalty card + CC load | Promo/CRM, processor choice | Coin-free new builds | Kiosk dependence |
| LaundroWorks | Card-centric system | No | Loyalty card, CC, mobile | Offline-capable, VAC kiosks | Robust card-based stores | Card issuance logistics |
| Cents | POS + payment OS | Yes | Card + app (partnered) | POS, WDF/delivery mgmt | Operators wanting unified OS | Hardware integration needed |
| SpyderWash | Wireless readers | Yes | Swipe, tap, mobile, loyalty | Discounts, reporting, loyalty | Fast installs on mixed fleets | Still need coin handling |
| Airwallet | App + terminals | Hybrid | App + contactless | Bookings, availability, remote mgmt | Buildings & modern operators | Coverage still expanding |
| Speed Queen Insights | OEM cloud stack | N/A | App, wallet, Apple Pay | CRM, loyalty, reporting | All-SQ stores | OEM lock-in |
| PayRange | App-only overlay | Yes | App with card/wallet funding | Low hardware cost, fast install | Coin fleets adding cashless fast | App-only, still collect coins |
| ESD | Card systems + mobile | Varies | Loyalty, CC, mobile | Payment Center kiosks, MyLaundryLink | Mixed/multi-housing | Hardwired planning needed |
KioSoft
KioSoft provides a complete ecosystem of readers, kiosks, and mobile pay solutions. Strength lies in broad hardware support and integration. Limitation: processor terms and costs are less transparent, requiring direct negotiation.
CCI (FasCard & LaundryCard)
FasCard allows hybrid coin and cashless use, great for retrofits. LaundryCard is a closed-loop card system ideal for new builds going coinless. Strengths include processor flexibility and promo features. Limitation: per-machine hardware for FasCard; kiosk dependency for LaundryCard.
LaundroWorks
Card-focused system with offline resilience, VAC kiosks, and strong reporting. Ideal for operators who want robust card-based operations. Limitation: requires managing loyalty card issuance and float.
Cents
Acts as a POS and operations platform including payments, WDF, and delivery management. Strong CRM tools. Limitation: hardware compatibility varies; confirm with existing fleet.
SpyderWash
Retrofit wireless system that supports swipe, tap, mobile wallets, and loyalty. Easy to install on mixed fleets. Limitation: if keeping coins, operators must still handle collections.
Airwallet
Offers a mobile app for loyalty/booking and Anton terminals for quick tap payments. Provides modern customer-facing features. Limitation: still expanding U.S. presence.
Speed Queen Insights
OEM-native system with SQ Pay app, loyalty, and CRM tightly integrated into Speed Queen machines. Best for all-SQ stores. Limitation: locks operators into the OEM ecosystem. Huebsch Command is similar.
PayRange
Low-cost retrofit solution using Bluetooth app. Great for rapid adoption of cashless on coin machines. Limitation: app-only model may limit adoption by non-app users; coins remain.
ESD
Longstanding vendor with card systems (Trident, CyberWash) and mobile integrations. Useful in multi-housing and laundromats. Limitation: some systems are hardwired, requiring careful planning.
Fraud Considerations Across Platforms
– **Card cloning & skimming**: Older magstripe loyalty systems may be vulnerable; EMV and NFC tap reduce risks.
– **Mobile app fraud**: Risk of chargebacks, fake accounts, or promo abuse. Strong KYC, transaction monitoring, and velocity limits help.
– **Kiosk tampering**: Central kiosks (LaundryCard, LaundroWorks, ESD) can be physical targets; cameras and secure placement recommended.
– **Connectivity manipulation**: Wireless/cellular systems (SpyderWash, FasCard) need encrypted comms to prevent spoofing.
– **Coin-cash hybrids**: Still expose operators to physical theft and shrinkage during collections.
– **Refund abuse**: Platforms with wallet/app refunds (Speed Queen Insights, Airwallet, Cents) should enforce limits and audit trails.