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VMFS Payment System – MDB Compatible Card Reader Integration
VMFS USA™ vending machines are MDB protocol-ready, meaning you can integrate almost any modern card reader, from swipe and chip readers to contactless and mobile NFC systems, in minutes. No rewiring. No reprogramming. Just plug in and start accepting payments.
Understanding Processing Fees
When a customer pays with a card or mobile wallet, the payment travels through secure banking networks before reaching your account. Each step in that process has a small cost — these are known as processing fees. They make it possible for your vending machine to accept cashless payments safely and instantly.
What You Pay Per Sale
Processing fees usually range between 3 % and 10 % of each sale, depending on your provider and machine setup. Some systems may also include a small monthly fee for keeping the card reader connected. For example, a $2.00 sale might leave you with about $1.90 after fees.
Why These Fees Exist
These fees cover the cost of using global payment networks, bank verification, and secure data transfer. Without them, card and mobile payments wouldn’t work. Even with these costs, most vending operators earn more overall because cashless options increase sales and reduce downtime.
Why It’s Still Worth It
Even with small fees, cashless vending usually earns more overall. More people buy when they can pay with cards or phones, and you save time with fewer cash collections and accurate sales tracking through your dashboard.
What Is MDB Protocol & Why It’s Important?
MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) is the industry-standard protocol used in vending systems to ensure smooth communication between machines and peripheral devices. Every VMFS USA™ vending machine comes standard with an MDB-compatible port, giving you complete flexibility in payment options.
Devices You Can Connect:
- Credit and Debit card readers
- Contactless Systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Mobile wallet readers
- Coin and bill acceptors
- Cashless payment kits
Why MDB Compatibility Matters:
- It’s a universal standard across vending hardware
- Setup is plug-and-play, no coding or special tools
- No firmware changes or extra configuration
- Works out of the box with most payment devices
How to Install a Card Reader on a VMFS USA™ Machine
Step 1
All VMFS USA™ machines are built with MDB support. This means they are ready to accept standard card readers without special wiring or modifications.
Step 2
Most VMFS USA™ machines use payment devices from Nayax or Cantaloupe as the default options. Both are industry leaders and offer reliable, widely accepted cashless solutions.
Step 3
Open the machine, find the MDB harness, and plug in the card reader. The machine will detect it automatically.
Step 4
Turn on the machine, check the card reader, and run a test payment to confirm it works. Once verified, the machine is ready.
Everything You Need to Know About MDB & DEX Standards in Vending
Our machines are designed with MDB and DEX standards for dependable performance and easy management. MDB keeps payment devices running smoothly, while DEX records sales and service data for accurate tracking. Together, they ensure every machine operates efficiently in any location.
MDB: The Payment Backbone
MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) connects vending machines with payment devices. It keeps every transaction smooth and makes upgrades simple.
- Works with card readers, bill validators, and coin acceptors
- Plug-and-play upgrades without replacing the machine
- Stable, real-time communication for payments
DEX: Transparent Reporting
DEX (Data Exchange) is the vending machine’s report card. It records sales and audit data in a standard format, making it easier for operators to track performance. All VMFS USA™ machines support DEX by default, so every operator can benefit from accurate reporting without additional hardware or setup.
- Captures sales totals and full transaction history
- Logs errors, timestamps, and meter readings
- Improves stock planning and accountability across routes
- Supported across all VMFS USA™ vending machines
Payment Options: Cashless, Cash, and Coins
Most VMFS USA™ machines ship ready with Nayax and Cantaloupe cashless devices, while MDB/DEX compatibility keeps cash and coin support flexible.
- Default options include Nayax and Cantaloupe devices
- Bill validators with return and recycler features
- Coin acceptors with sorting and fraud protection
- Support for multiple countries through MDB/DEX standards
Card Reader Compatibility Checklist
Before purchasing a reader, ensure the following:
- It uses the MDB protocol
- It does not require a proprietary OS or firmware update
- Your processor account is active and tested
- The reader is designed for vending/automated retail use
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every VMFS USA™ machine comes standard with MDB and DEX, so operators can connect payment devices and also track sales data without needing extra hardware. This makes every machine payment-ready and easy to manage from day one.
MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) is the communication standard that lets vending machines work with different payment devices. It makes sure card readers, bill validators, and coin acceptors all connect smoothly and process payments in real time. Without MDB, operators would struggle to upgrade or replace devices easily.
DEX (Data Exchange) is the machine’s reporting system. It records transactions, error logs, and meter readings so operators can see exactly how each machine is performing. With DEX, routes can be planned better, stock can be managed more efficiently, and revenue can be tracked accurately.
Yes. MDB and DEX are global standards, so they are not limited to one market. Operators can fit machines with country-specific bill validators and coin acceptors, as long as those devices follow MDB/DEX standards. This makes it simple to run machines internationally.
Most VMFS USA™ machines ship with Nayax and Cantaloupe devices by default because they are proven, trusted providers. They support cashless payments like credit, debit, and mobile wallets while integrating seamlessly with MDB and DEX. This ensures smooth payment acceptance and reliable reporting right from the start.
Need Help Installing Your Card Reader?
Our technical team can help you select the best card reader for your operation and ensure it’s 100% compatible. Whether you’re buying a new machine or upgrading an existing one, we make the payment integration process simple.
