QR vs NFC payments: Which is better for laundromats?

Why cashless payments matter now

Coin-operated laundromats are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Since the pandemic, contactless payments have shifted from “nice-to-have” to expected behaviour, even in unattended environments like laundromats. Customers want to tap, scan, and start their wash in seconds. Not hunt for coins or wait for change.

If you’re upgrading your laundry, two technologies dominate the conversation: NFC (tap-to-pay) and QR code payments. Understanding the difference matters, because the right choice can reduce friction, increase throughput, and lift revenue.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What NFC payments are and how they work

• What QR code payments are and how they work

• The real-world pros and cons for laundromats

• How Bubblepay combines both to future-proof your business

How NFC payments work

NFC (Near Field Communication) is the technology behind tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets. Customers simply hold a card, phone, or watch near a reader and the payment is completed instantly.

NFC summary:

• Tap-to-pay: A short-range radio signal securely transmits payment details in seconds.

• Speed: Payments are almost instant, keeping lines moving during busy periods.

• Digital wallets: Services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used and familiar to customers.

• Strong security: NFC uses tokenisation, meaning real card details are never shared.

For high-traffic laundromats, speed and familiarity make NFC a powerful option. That naturally leads to the alternative many owners consider next: QR codes.

How QR code payments work

QR codes are scannable codes (usually a square with a unique pixel-like pattern) that customers read using their phone camera. Scanning opens a secure payment page where they complete the transaction and start the machine.

QR code summary:

• Static QR codes: One printed code is reused for payments on a machine.

• Dynamic QR codes: Codes include transaction details like price or machine number.

• Low setup cost: QR codes require no expensive hardware — just a printed or digital label.

• App-free payments: Bubblepay’s system allows scan-to-start without forcing customers to download an app.

QR code payments are flexible, cost-effective, and ideal for unattended or budget-conscious laundries. But how do they compare side by side?

Pros and cons: NFC vs QR payments

Both technologies support cashless laundromat payments, but each has trade-offs that matter in daily operations.

NFC payments PROS:

• Super fast! Perfect for peak times

• Familiar tap-and-go experience

• Encrypted with tokenisation for strong security

NFC payments CONS:

• Requires contactless hardware

• Customers need NFC-enabled cards or phones which can affect certain demographics

QR code payments PROS:

• Minimal hardware cost

• Works with any smartphone camera

• Easy to deploy on existing machines

QR code payments CONS:

• Slightly slower than tapping

• Requires internet access on the customer’s phone

• Static codes can be tampered with if poorly managed

This is exactly why many laundromats don’t choose one or the other – they choose both.

How Bubblepay combines both technologies

Bubblepay is built for flexibility, not lock-in. Instead of forcing you to choose between NFC or QR code payments, it lets you offer both seamlessly.

At the centre is a hybrid system designed specifically for laundromats. One platform handles payments, machines, customers, and operations without adding complexity.

How the system works in practice:

• 32″ smart kiosk: Accepts NFC tap-to-pay cards, phones and watches, alongside QR code payments – all in one place.

• Machine-integrated controllers: Retrofit existing washers and dryers fast, without replacing your machines.

• Offline-ready payments: Machines keep running even if the internet drops, with transactions syncing automatically.

Choosing the best payment option for your laundromat

The right setup depends on your business, your customers, and how your laundry operates day to day. What works for a busy inner-city laundromat won’t always suit a small community laundry, and that’s okay.

The key is choosing a payment mix that reduces friction at the machines while maximising speed, convenience, and return on investment. 

• High-traffic laundromats: Prioritise NFC payments to move customers through quickly and maximise machine turnover.

• Smaller or community laundries: Start with QR code payments to eliminate upfront hardware costs and upgrade gradually.

• Mixed customer base: Offer both. Some customers prefer tap-and-go convenience, others are more comfortable scanning.

• Future-proofing: Bubblepay allows you to start with one option and add more as your customer base and revenue grow.

• Internet-proof: NFC payments are ideal for locations with unstable internet.

The goal isn’t technology for technology’s sake – it’s removing friction, improving customer experience, and increasing profit.

Simpler payments, better business

NFC and QR code payments both solve the same problem: coins slow you down and frustrate customers. NFC delivers unmatched speed, while QR codes offer flexibility and low setup costs.

The smartest laundromats don’t choose – they combine.

Bubblepay’s award-winning platform gives you that flexibility, plus the tools to operate smarter, earn more, and work less. Cashless isn’t the future anymore. It's the baseline.

Visit Bubblepay to book a demo or speak with a specialist about adding fast, flexible contactless payments to your machines.