Discover how SECO’s dynamic QR payments and Clea Vend simplify cashless vending, reducing payment integration complexity across markets and regional providers.
Vending machine manufacturers increasingly need to support cashless payment across different markets, operators and customer payment preferences. Payment integration becomes more difficult when the same machine is deployed across multiple countries, each with different payment requirements.
Traditionally, payment has often been handled through a terminal added by the operator or distributor. The vending machine manages product selection and dispensing, while the terminal manages the transaction. This separates the payment process from the machine’s user interface, meaning that part of the customer experience remains beyond the manufacturer’s control.
Dynamic QR payment keeps the transaction in the machine flow
In a dynamic QR code payment flow, the customer selects a product on the machine, chooses QR payment by scanning a transaction-specific code shown on the display.
The payment is completed on the customer’s smartphone using a digital wallet or another supported payment application. Once the transaction is approved, confirmation is returned to the machine.
The QR code is generated for that transaction. Unlike a static QR code linked to a fixed destination, it carries the information needed to complete a specific purchase.
Product selection, payment choice and confirmation remain part of the same machine-led interaction. Where QR payments are appropriate, operators may also be able to deploy cashless machines without installing a dedicated payment terminal on every cabinet.
QR-based payments are already common in several Asian markets and are becoming increasingly familiar elsewhere, making them relevant for vending machine manufacturers serving multiple regions. SECO’s new dynamic QR code payment method was unveiled during VendItalia 2026 in Rimini.
International payment integration remains fragmented
Vending machine manufacturers may sell the same platform into multiple countries, but payment infrastructure remains regional. Acquirers, banks, preferred payment methods and certification requirements can vary from market to market.
SECO’s QR code switch (see Figure 1), as part of the Clea Vend platform, allows the machine to retain a consistent payment interface while the payment connection behind the QR code is configured for the relevant local provider. This allows OEMs to support different regional payment requirements without developing separate integrations for each market.
Traditional card-present integrations may also require acquirer-specific Level 3 certification. By using a QR-based payment flow, OEMs can reduce some of the certification burden associated with supporting multiple regional payment ecosystems.
Beyond vending
Vending is the clearest starting point, but the same approach can apply to other self-service machines. Coffee machines, ticketing systems, self-checkout units, tourist attractions and arcade-style equipment all share the same basic transaction pattern: a customer selects something, pays for it and receives access to a product or service.
Payment is only one part of the connected vending environment. Other operational functions, such as telemetry, machine monitoring and fleet management, can also be handled via SECO’s Clea Vend platform.
For machine manufacturers, dynamic QR code payment keeps payment within the machine interface, reduces dependence on separate payment terminals and simplifies regional payment integration across multiple markets.