How to Choose the Right Payment System for Your Arcade: Coins, Tokens, or Card Swipe?

Introduction: Why Payment Systems Matter in Modern Arcades

For arcade operators and Family Entertainment Center (FEC) investors, choosing the right arcade center payment system is just as important as selecting the right machines.
A well-designed payment system directly affects:

• Customer convenience

• Average spending per visit

• Operational efficiency

• Revenue tracking & fraud control

• Long-term scalability

As a one-stop arcade & FEC solution provider, BLEE helps operators worldwide choose and implement the most suitable amusement park payment solutions, from traditional coin systems to advanced cloud-based card swipe systems.

In this guide, we’ll compare coins, tokens, and FEC card swipe systems, explain where each works best, and help you decide which system fits your arcade business model.

---

1. Coin Payment Systems: Traditional but Still Relevant

How It Works

Players insert coins directly into each arcade machine to start gameplay.

Best For

• Small arcades

• Street-side game rooms

• Low-budget startups

• Markets where cash usage is still dominant

Advantages

• Low initial setup cost

• Simple installation

• No backend system required

• Familiar to all age groups

Limitations

• No centralized data tracking

• Higher labor cost for coin collection

• Risk of coin jams and wear

• Difficult to manage promotions or memberships

BLEE Insight:
Coin systems are suitable for entry-level arcade projects, but they limit long-term growth and data-driven management.

---

2. Token-Based Arcade Systems: Controlled Cash Flow

How It Works

Customers exchange cash for branded tokens, which are used across all machines.

Best For

• Medium-sized arcades

• Theme-based entertainment centers

• Locations wanting brand identity

Advantages

• Reduces coin fraud

• Custom token branding enhances experience

• Easier machine calibration

• Encourages pre-paid spending

Limitations

• Requires token inventory management

• Manual revenue counting still needed

• Limited customer behavior data

BLEE Insight:
Token systems are a middle-step solution—better than coins but less powerful than modern cashless systems.

---

3. Card Swipe & Cashless Payment Systems: The Modern Standard

How It Works

Customers load credit onto a card, wristband, or QR code and swipe or tap to play.

Best For

• Shopping mall arcades

• Large FECs

• Indoor playground + arcade combinations

• Tourist attractions & resorts

Advantages

• Centralized revenue control

• Real-time sales & machine data

• Supports promotions, memberships & bonuses

• Faster play, higher spend per visit

• Reduced cash handling & labor cost

Advanced Features

• Cloud-based reporting

• Machine performance analytics

• Remote pricing control

• Loyalty programs

• Birthday & group packages

BLEE Insight:
Over 80% of new FEC projects now choose arcade cashless card swipe systems due to higher ROI and operational efficiency.(Learn more about BLEE arcade center management system pls click: https://www.bleearcade.com/product/arcade-center-management-system-amusement-park-all-in-one-control-cashless-solution-for-game-centers/)

---

4. Coins vs. Tokens vs. Card Swipe: Quick Comparison

---

5. Which Payment System Is Best for Your Arcade Type?

Small Arcade (Under 100㎡)

✔ Coin or token system
✔ Lower startup budget
✔ Simple operation

Medium Arcade / Mall FEC (100–500㎡)

✔ Card swipe system recommended
✔ Supports bundles & promotions
✔ Better revenue control

Large FEC / Indoor Playground + Arcade (500㎡+)

✔ Arcade Center Cashless card swipe system is essential
✔ Enables memberships & party packages
✔ Supports long-term growth

---

6. How BLEE Integrates Payment Systems into Arcade Turnkey Solutions

As a professional arcade machine manufacturer and FEC solution provider, BLEE offers:

✅ Coin, Token & Card Swipe Compatibility

All BLEE arcade machines support multiple payment options.

✅ BLEE Intelligent Cloud Management

• Real-time sales monitoring

• Machine status tracking

• Remote pricing control

✅ Custom System Configuration

• Hybrid systems (coin + card)

• Local payment method integration

• Multi-language interfaces

✅ Full Installation & Training

From wiring to staff training, BLEE ensures smooth system launch.(BLEE arcade management system, please click here.: https://www.bleearcade.com/product/arcade-center-management-system-amusement-park-all-in-one-control-cashless-solution-for-game-centers/)

 

---

7. Future Trend: Why Cashless Systems Dominate in 2025

In 2025, successful arcades focus on:

• Data-driven decisions

• Membership-based revenue

• Reduced labor dependency

• Faster customer turnover

Cashless payment systems support all of these goals, making them the preferred choice for modern arcade & FEC projects worldwide.

---

8. Ready to Choose the Right Arcade Payment System? Talk to BLEE

Whether you’re opening:

• A small arcade

• A shopping mall FEC

• An indoor playground + arcade

• Or a large-scale entertainment center

BLEE can recommend, install, and integrate the ideal payment system into your complete arcade solution.

👉 Contact BLEE today for a free consultation, payment system comparison, and full arcade setup proposal.
Let us help you build a smarter, more profitable arcade business.（Contact BLEE E-mail:sales@bleearcade.com）

Payment System FAQ 

Q1: What is the best payment system for a modern arcade?
Card swipe or cashless systems are best for modern arcades due to better revenue tracking and higher customer spending.

Q2: Can I combine coin and card swipe systems?
Yes. BLEE supports hybrid payment systems for flexible operation.

Q3: Are cashless arcade systems expensive?
Initial costs are higher, but they reduce labor costs and increase ROI over time.

Q4: Do BLEE arcade machines support card swipe systems?
Yes. All BLEE machines are compatible with coin, token, and card swipe systems.

Q5: Is a cashless system suitable for small arcades?
Yes, especially if future expansion or membership programs are planned.