If you’ve tapped your card at a vending machine, pumped gas without going inside for the register, or paid for parking at a kiosk, you’ve used an unattended payment terminal. These machines handle the whole checkout flow without anyone behind the counter. Using this technology in your business means managing hardware, integration, security requirements, and routine maintenance. Below, we’ll explain what you need to know about unattended terminals.

What’s in this article?

• What is an unattended payment terminal?
  
• How do unattended payment terminals work?
  
• What are the main types of unattended payment terminals?
  
• How can you protect unattended payment systems from fraud and tampering?
  
• What do businesses need to consider before installing unattended terminals?
  
• What ongoing support and maintenance do unattended payment terminals require?
  
• How Stripe Terminal can help
  

What is an unattended payment terminal?

An unattended payment terminal is a payment device that works without a dedicated staff member there to help facilitate checkout. Examples include parking kiosks, subway turnstiles, and self-checkouts. The hardware varies—some are simple card readers attached to machines, and others are kiosks with touch screens—but these all allow the customer to complete the transaction on their own. Customers benefit from the speed and independence of paying without waiting in line, and businesses get to extend service hours and reduce labor costs. The global unattended terminals market is projected to grow from $1.58 billion in 2024 to $1.76 billion in 2025 as demand continues to grow for quick, convenient checkouts.

How do unattended payment terminals work?

From the outside, payments at unattended terminals are simple: a customer walks up, makes a selection, uses their selected payment method, and walks away with their purchase. But behind the scenes, that quick transaction involves a full payment flow.

Here’s what that process entails:

• Customers choose a product or service (e.g., parking time, a train ticket, a soda), and the terminal prompts them to pay.
  
• Devices typically accept Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) chip cards, contactless cards, and digital wallets. Some also work with magnetic stripe cards, QR code payments, or custom fobs. In some cases, they might prompt the customer to enter a personal identification number (PIN) to authorize the transaction.
  
• The terminal encrypts and sends the payment information through the standard payment stack: gateway to processor to card network to issuing bank. The bank verifies whether the card is valid, the funds are available, and the transaction isn’t suspicious. Then, it sends back an approval.
  
• The machine confirms the payment and delivers, whether by printing a ticket, opening a gate, or dispensing a product. Some print receipts while others offer digital confirmation when the sale is complete.
  
• The funds settle as with any other card-present transaction, typically within a few days.
  

All of this happens without any help from a staff member.

What are the main types of unattended payment terminals?

Unattended payment terminals show up in all kinds of hardware, depending on the environment and what’s being sold. But functionally, they fall into a few broad categories.

Vending machines

These are some of the most recognizable use cases. Modern vending machines often have compact card readers that support tap, chip, and sometimes even digital wallet payments.

Parking and transit kiosks

Street parking meters and public transit ticket machines are common examples. They usually have touch screens or buttons, accept multiple forms of payment, and need to work outdoors in the rain, heat, or snow. Fare readers and turnstiles that use Tap to Pay are also unattended terminals.

Self-checkout and ordering kiosks

Found in grocery stores, fast-food chains, and convenience retail, these terminals combine a screen for selection and a card reader for payment. They often integrate with inventory or point-of-sale (POS) systems and can support loyalty programs or custom payment flows. While staff might be nearby, payments are fully unattended.

Gas pumps

Pay-at-the-pump systems are a long-running unattended use case, and gas pumps typically accept both chip and contactless card payments. These terminals are built to withstand the elements and often require a postal code or PIN verification.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) and financial kiosks

ATMs are also technically unattended payment devices. They support cash withdrawals and deposits, and the same principles apply: secure card acceptance, PIN entry, antitampering protections, and real-time authorization.

Specialized use cases

There’s a growing list of niche scenarios, including:

• Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
  
• Car washes and air pumps
  
• Locker rentals
  
• Micromobility stations
  
• Photo printing
  
• Arcade machines
  
• Self-check-in at hotels
  
• Self-serve donation kiosks
  

Durability and modularity matter most. Many unattended payment devices are built to handle environmental wear and tear, and the same card reader can often be embedded in dozens of different use cases. What changes is the interface and how it fits into the customer’s flow.

How can you protect unattended payment systems from fraud and tampering?

Unattended terminals are convenient for customers and tempting targets for fraudulent actors. Because there’s no staff nearby, these devices need to be locked down both physically and digitally. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

Encrypt everything from the start

Modern terminals encrypt card data the moment it’s read using point-to-point encryption so no sensitive data is exposed in transit. Tokenization adds another layer of security by replacing card details with randomized characters. Even if data is intercepted, it shouldn’t be usable.

Use only EMV wherever possible

Chip cards are more difficult to clone than magnetic stripe cards. Supporting EMV (including contactless EMV) can lower the risk of fraud. Unattended terminals are generally EMV by default, and in instances of fraud, liability shifts to the business if the card has an EMV chip but the business doesn’t support it.

Monitor for skimming and tampering

Gas pumps and ATMs are common targets for skimmers, which are physical devices that attach to readers to steal card data. Take the following preventive measures:

• Use tamper-evident seals and locks.
  
• Choose card readers with antiskimming hardware.
  
• Train staff to check for loose parts, strange attachments, or changes to the terminal’s appearance.
  
• Schedule regular physical inspections and audits.
  

Some terminals can even disable themselves or wipe keys, if tampering is detected.

Secure PIN entry

If your terminal collects PINs, the keypad should encrypt them. Shielding the keypad, securing firmware, and preventing overlay devices are all standard practice. Customers shouldn’t have to second-guess whether their PINs are safe.

Lock down the software

Unattended terminals are networked devices. Keep firmware and software up-to-date to patch any vulnerabilities. Use secure remote access tools, segment the network, and monitor for anomalies. Many operators also use private cellular connections or virtual private networks (VPNs) to minimize exposure.

Monitor in real time

A broken terminal is bad, but a compromised one is worse. Use real-time monitoring to track status, connectivity, and transaction patterns. Set rules, such as flagging rapid-fire purchases or unusually high amounts, to catch suspicious behavior fast.

Stay compliant

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and PIN Transaction Security (PTS) are how you avoid weak spots in your system. Choose certified hardware and work with providers that meet these compliance requirements.

What do businesses need to consider before installing unattended terminals?

Rolling out unattended payment terminals is a multifaceted process with many moving parts. Here’s what you’ll need to consider before you set up these terminals.

Customer experience

If people can’t figure out how to use your terminal, they can’t make payments. The interface needs to do all the work a cashier would, with clear prompts, an intuitive flow, accessible design, and multilingual options, if needed. Test your devices, and watch real users use them before you scale.

System integration

These terminals rarely work alone. They usually need to connect to inventory systems, POS software, loyalty programs, or customer relationship management (CRM) tools. That means using application programming interfaces (APIs), syncing data, and potentially working with multiple vendors. Know how your systems will talk to each other and who’s responsible when they don’t.

Payment methods

At a minimum, your terminals should support EMV chips and contactless payments. If you operate globally or in tourist areas, consider QR code payments or multiple currency options. If you use closed-loop gift cards or stored value systems, ensure those work, too.

Connectivity and infrastructure

You’ll need reliable internet via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular and consistent power. If your terminals are outdoors, account for weatherproofing, battery backups, and real-time outage alerts.

Security and compliance

You’ll need to comply with PCI PTS, PCI DSS, and local regulations. The right payment provider can help, but you still need to manage physical security, keep devices up-to-date, and maintain compliance on your end.

Deployment and support

Who installs the terminals? Who fixes them if they break down? Do you need on-site staff for light troubleshooting or a third-party service to do field support? Plan for support beyond setup and think through how you’ll handle maintenance.

Cost-benefit analysis

Terminals cost money to install, connect, and maintain. Ensure the upside is worth it. In many cases, self-service generates new revenue, but only if the numbers make sense.

What ongoing support and maintenance do unattended payment terminals require?

Despite being unattended, terminals need people behind the scenes to keep them functional, secure, and up-to-date. Here’s what that support typically includes.

Routine checks

Plan for regular physical inspections: daily, weekly, or based on transaction volume. Check that screens work, buttons respond, paper supplies are stocked, and no error messages are flashing. Regular checks help you catch issues early for machines with moving parts, such as printers and dispensers.

Cleaning and upkeep

Screens get grimy. Card readers get dusty. Outdoor units collect dirt, bugs, snow, or worse. Basic cleaning, especially of payment interfaces, keeps everything usable. Use reader-safe cleaning kits and include upkeep in your maintenance routine.

Software updates

Payment firmware, operating systems, and kiosk apps will all need updates. Some systems enable remote patching, but others require someone on-site. Updates often address security, compliance, and feature improvements. Skip them and you risk downtime or security vulnerabilities.

Remote monitoring

A good system provides a dashboard that shows device status, transaction volume, when supplies are low, and outages. Set up automated alerts so you’re notified if a terminal goes offline or malfunctions. Real-time monitoring can help you fix problems before customers even notice.

Customer support

Customers might need help with failed payments, undelivered products, or frozen screens. You’ll need a support number or web form and a team that can respond quickly, ideally with access to logs, transaction data, and refund tools. Label each machine with a clear ID number so support staff can pinpoint where an issue occurred.

Repairs and replacements

Have a plan in place to address hardware issues such as jammed printers, damaged touch screens, or worn-out readers. Keep spare parts on hand if you make repairs in-house, or contract a field service provider that can handle site visits. Define your service-level agreement: how quickly a broken terminal is fixed affects both revenue and your reputation.

Lifecycle planning

Hardware doesn’t last forever. Track device age and performance, and plan for replacements before things break down. Your software should develop, too: refine flows, add features, and fix issues. Treat your terminals like any other product that improves over time.

Security hygiene

Regularly inspect your devices for signs of tampering or skimmers. Rotate your admin credentials, and apply the latest encryption updates. If your provider manages digital security, you’ll have less hands-on responsibility, but someone on staff needs to own the overall security strategy.

The best operators assure that their terminals are monitored, supported, and continually improved.

How Stripe Terminal can help

Stripe Terminal allows businesses to grow revenue with unified payments across in-person and online channels. It supports new ways to pay, simple hardware logistics, global coverage, and hundreds of POS and commerce integrations to design your ideal payment stack.

Stripe Terminal can help you:

• Unify commerce: Manage online and in-person payments on a global platform with unified payment data.
  
• Expand globally: Scale to 24 countries with a single set of integrations and popular payment methods.
  
• Integrate your way: Develop your own custom POS app or connect with your existing tech stack using third-party POS and commerce integrations.
  
• Simplify hardware logistics: Easily order, manage, and monitor Stripe-supported readers, wherever they are.
  

Learn more about Stripe Terminal, or get started today.