Dallas vending machines let the thirsty pay by credit card

By Jeremy M. Simon

You might not need to need to dig for change in the bottom of your pocket or flatten out a crumpled dollar bill next time you get thirsty for a Dr. Pepper.  Cadbury Schweppes vending machines that now accept credit card payments only require the swipe of your plastic when you want to quench your thirst.

Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes is offering Dallas consumers the chance to use credit cards at existing vending machines.  Dallas is one of the test markets for the pilot program, along with Chicago and New York. 

In all, up to 1,000 Dr. Pepper and Snapple machines in the three cities will be enabled with the e-Port cashless transaction solution which will let them take all major credit cards, such as Visa, American Express and those with MasterCard PayPass contactless payment functionality.

Credit cards are accepted using a cellphone-size box that attaches to existing vending machines with four screws

Several vending machines at Dallas City Hall are already configured to accept credit cards.  Building workers noted that they would no longer need change as  more places take credit cards and debit cards, and highlighted the ease and speed of not having to deal with loose change or paper bills.

Cadbury Schweppes is working with MasterCard and USA Technologies to eventually set up a total of 5,000 self-service point-of-sale terminals and vending machines in 12 U.S. cities.

Published: February 7, 2007

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