As Ready Credit’s CEO puts it, “The news is that pennies are going away — and retailers need a solution that also lowers their cost of operation.”
It’s true. The U.S. will discontinue penny production in 2026, and major armored carriers like Brink’s have already stopped collecting or crediting coins. That means companies that still rely on cash handling — from hospitals and stadiums to hotels, universities, and retailers — will face rising costs, reconciliation headaches, and compliance risks.
This shift isn’t just about loose change. It’s a wake-up call to modernize your payment systems and remove the operational friction tied to cash — before it impacts your bottom line.
The Cost of Cash Is Rising — Fast
Labor, reconciliation, deposit, and logistics associated with cash can represent more than 5% of total cash intake for many businesses (Brink’s data).
Multiply that by thousands of daily transactions, and the “cost of doing business in cash” becomes a real drag on profit margins.
Add to that:
- Carriers are phasing out coin collection altogether
- Cash reconciliation errors increase audit exposure
- Physical currency poses theft and security risks
- Manual processing slows down guest, patient, and customer experience
Meanwhile, 70%+ of Americans now pay digitally — expecting the same fast, seamless, contact-free experience wherever they go.
The Ready Credit Advantage: Modern Payments Made Inclusive
Ready Credit doesn’t eliminate cash acceptance — we eliminate the burden of cash handling. Our hybrid, cash-alternative payment ecosystem helps businesses keep serving cash-preferred customers while operating cashless behind the scenes.
For nearly 20 years, Ready Credit has led this transformation with trusted, secure, and fully compliant technology — helping companies streamline operations, lower costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Our solutions include:
- ReadySTATION® cash-to-card kiosks – the original, patented Reverse ATM™ converting cash to a prepaid Mastercard® or Visa® card instantly.
- ReadyCARD® – prepaid Mastercard® and Visa® cards (physical + digital), fully compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
- ReadyPAYOUTS™ – secure, digital refund and reimbursement platform for guests, patients, and employees.
- ReadyFLEX® – handheld mobile solution for portable, venue-based, or event-driven transactions.
Together, these tools form a comprehensive payment modernization system — designed for operational simplicity, customer inclusivity, and measurable ROI.
Across Every Industry — Same Challenge, Same Opportunity
Hospitality & Lodging
Replace outdated cash drawers with seamless, digital payments that free staff to focus on guest satisfaction.
Entertainment, Sports, & Attractions
Speed up transactions, increase per-caps, and enhance the guest experience — without cash handling risk or delay.
Retail & QSR
Eliminate armored carrier costs and keep checkout lines moving with modern, digital alternatives for cash customers.
Transportation & Airports
Reduce congestion, increase security, and provide travelers an easy digital payment option for parking, concessions, and amenities.
Healthcare & Education
Simplify refunds and campus payments while improving reconciliation accuracy and compliance.
Across every vertical, the mission is the same: reduce operational friction, protect revenue, and deliver a faster, safer, more convenient experience.
Eliminate manual cash-handling at concession stands and ticket booths.
- Reduce end-of-day reconciliation time and armored carrier expenses.
- Provide cash-preferred fans with a fast, secure way to pay digitally.
Why It Matters Now
Regulatory & Market Change
- U.S. penny production ends in 2026.
- Major carriers are ending coin pickup and deposit crediting.
- Non-compliance and reconciliation errors will increase if cash persists.
Operational Efficiency
- Cash handling, transport, and shrinkage costs rise annually.
- Streamlined digital processes improve uptime and reduce overhead.
Customer Experience
- Guests, patients, and fans expect fast, digital-first service.
- Simplified payments build trust and repeat business.
Future-Ready Transition
- Early adopters can test, refine, and scale before the 2026 transition.
Position your brand as forward-thinking and financially responsible.
Proof Points
- Labor & Logistics: Cash handling represents more than 5% of total intake for many businesses (Brink’s data).
- Carriers: Brink’s, Loomis, and Garda phasing out coin pickups.
- Consumer Behavior: 70%+ of U.S. consumers prefer digital or card-based payments.
- ESG Impact: Reducing coin circulation lowers environmental waste and carbon footprint.
- Reliability: ReadySTATION® kiosks maintain 99.8% uptime, backed by 24/7 live U.S. support.
Whether you manage a stadium, hospital, resort, or retail chain, your operations are changing — and so is the currency that fuels them.
The penny may be disappearing, but the opportunity to save millions in operational costs is right in front of you.
Let’s prepare your business for the 2026 penny phase-out — and turn it into a profit opportunity.
Schedule a short consultation to explore a phased, low-risk rollout that delivers measurable cost savings, better guest experiences, and full operational transparency.
📩 Contact Ready Credit today to start your cash-handling transformation.
Ready to see how efficiency can drive results at your venue? Let’s talk
Cash-to-Card® Kiosks
