Why Target’s Self-Checkout Kiosks Are Transitioning to Card-Only Payments

You may have noticed Target’s self-checkout kiosks now accept only card payments. This move addresses major issues that impact both security and convenience.

• Over 20 million Americans admitted to stealing at self-checkout kiosks, and Target ranks among the top five most targeted retailers.

• Target reported nearly $500 million in shrink-related losses in 2023, much of it linked to self-checkout kiosks.

• Common problems include not scanning items and card misuse, which threaten the security of these kiosks.

Target’s card-only payments policy aims to reduce theft, speed up transactions, and keep kiosks running smoothly for all customers. By going cashless at these self-checkout kiosks, Target wants to create a safer and faster experience for you.

Key Takeaways

• Target switched to card-only self-checkout to reduce theft and protect customers.

• Card-only payments speed up checkout and reduce machine jams and errors.

• Employees can focus more on helping customers instead of handling cash or fixing machines.

• Customers who pay with cash may face longer lines at staffed registers.

• Cashless self-checkout is a growing trend that improves security and convenience in many stores.

Why Target’s Self-Checkout Kiosks Are Card-Only

Theft Reduction

You want to feel safe when you shop at Target. Target’s self-checkout kiosks now use card-only payments to help stop theft. Many people have tried to steal by skipping scans or using fake bills at self-checkout kiosks. When you use a card, Target can track each transaction. This makes it harder for someone to steal or commit fraud.

Did you know? Over 20 million Americans have admitted to stealing at self-checkout kiosks. Target’s self-checkout strategy focuses on stopping this problem.

Card-only payments also help protect your information. When you use a card, the system checks for fraud. This adds another layer of security for you and for Target. By making self-checkout kiosks cashless, Target lowers the risk of theft and keeps the checkout process safer for everyone.

Cash Jams and Machine Issues

If you have ever used cash at self-checkout kiosks, you may have seen the machine jam or break. Cash jams slow down the checkout process and make you wait longer. Target’s self-checkout kiosks often had problems with bills getting stuck or coins jamming the machines. These issues made transactions slower and caused frustration for shoppers.

When Target switched to card-only payments, they removed the parts of kiosks that handle cash. This change means fewer breakdowns and less time spent fixing machines. You can now finish your transactions faster because the kiosks work more smoothly.

• No more waiting for an employee to fix a jam

• Fewer interruptions during your checkout process

• Less chance of machine damage from coins or bills

Target’s self-checkout kiosks now focus on speed and reliability. You get a better experience with fewer problems.

Operational Efficiency

Target wants to make shopping easier for you and for their employees. Card-only payments help Target run their stores more efficiently. Employees no longer need to handle cash at self-checkout kiosks. This means less time spent counting money or fixing cash problems.

Tip: Card-only payments let employees focus on helping you with other needs, not just fixing machines.

Target’s self-checkout strategy also helps reduce mistakes. When you use a card, the transaction is clear and easy to track. This makes it easier for Target to manage payments and keep accurate records.
Here’s a quick look at how card-only payments improve operations:

By moving to cashless transactions at self-checkout kiosks, Target creates a better shopping environment. You spend less time waiting, and employees can help you in other ways. This self-checkout strategy matches the trend of cashless payments in many stores today.

Impact on Shoppers at Target

Faster Self-Checkout

You want a quick and easy shopping experience. With card-only payments at self-checkout kiosks, Target aims to make your transactions faster. When you use your card, the kiosks process payments quickly. This reduces the time you spend at the register. Target says self-checkout is now twice as fast in stores that tested this change. Many customers notice that the checkout process feels smoother when they use card-only payments. You can finish your shopping experience with less waiting and more convenience.

Tip: Using your card at self-checkout kiosks helps you avoid cash jams and keeps the line moving.

Cash-Only Customer Challenges

If you prefer to pay with cash, you may face some challenges. Target’s self-checkout kiosks no longer accept cash, so you must use a card for these transactions. Some customers feel frustrated because they cannot use their preferred payment method. You might need to go to a staffed register if you want to pay with cash. This change can reduce customer convenience for those who do not have a card or do not want to use one. Target has expanded traditional checkout lanes to help, but many customers still report inconvenience and longer wait times.

Longer Lines at Staffed Registers

Many customers have noticed longer lines at staffed registers since Target made these changes. Reports show that wait times can reach up to an hour, especially when self-checkout is limited to 10 items or less. Some customers share their frustration on social media, saying they see only one cashier and not enough open lanes. Target promised to open more staffed registers, but customer feedback shows this has not always happened. You may find yourself waiting longer for transactions, especially during busy times.

• Customers report:

  • Longer lines at staffed registers

  • Fewer self-checkout kiosks open

  • Confusion when kiosks close during certain hours

Target continues to invest in staffing and process improvements. The company says guest satisfaction for checkout speed is at its highest in three years. Still, many customers feel the shopping experience has become less convenient. Your experience may depend on the time of day and how many registers are open.

Store Operations and Self-Checkout Kiosks

Employee Focus and Cash Handling

You may notice more employees near self-checkout kiosks at Target. The company changed employee roles to improve security and speed. Now, some workers focus only on watching self-checkout areas. They do not have to handle cash at these kiosks, which makes their job easier and safer.

• Target expanded Express Self-Checkout lanes, letting you buy up to 10 items quickly.

• Stores added more traditional cashier lanes to help with larger purchases.

• Some states, like California, want employees to watch no more than two kiosks at once. This rule helps staff pay close attention to each transaction.

By removing cash from self-checkout kiosks, Target reduces mistakes and theft. Employees can now help you with card payments and answer questions. This change improves convenience for both you and the staff.

Ratio of Cashiers to Kiosks

Target uses a unique staffing model compared to other retailers. In some stores, one employee watches about 10 self-checkout kiosks. At the same time, only two employees may run 20 full-service cashier lanes. This low ratio means you might see fewer cashiers, even when more customers use traditional lanes.
Customer feedback shows some people worry about long lines and not enough staff. Target did increase the number of cashier lanes after more customers started using them. However, the overall ratio of cashiers to kiosks has not changed much.

Target has more employees per store than other chains, but you may still wait if many customers choose staffed lanes.

Limiting Self-Checkout Purchases

Target set a 10-item limit for self-checkout kiosks in most stores. This rule, called Express Self-Checkout, helps speed up transactions and reduce theft. You can use your card for quick payments, but if you have more than 10 items or want to pay with cash, you need to visit a traditional cashier.

• The 10-item limit started in about 200 stores and now covers over 2,000 locations.

• Transactions at self-checkout kiosks are now about 8% faster.

• Customer feedback shows higher satisfaction with wait times and service.

Other stores, like Schnucks and Giant Foods, use similar limits to improve convenience and reduce theft. Target’s changes help you check out faster and keep your transactions secure.

Cashless Trends in Retail

Self-Checkout Kiosks Nationwide

You see cashless transactions becoming the standard in many stores. In 2024, over 65% of self-checkout kiosks in the U.S. use card-only payments. This shift happens because you and other customers want quick, seamless, and hygienic transactions. Most retailers now offer self-checkout kiosks that support credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. Target follows this trend by limiting self-checkout to card payments and setting item limits. Many stores expand self-checkout options, but some also add more staffed lanes to balance the shopping experience.

Note: Cashless transactions help speed up your shopping experience and reduce machine issues.

Retailers Reducing Self-Checkout

Some retailers have started to reduce or remove self-checkout kiosks. You may notice this at stores like Walmart, Costco, and ShopRite. These companies made changes because of theft, unreliable technology, and customer complaints. Walmart removed kiosks from some stores and increased employee involvement. Costco added more staff to self-checkout areas. ShopRite brought back cashiers after customers said they preferred human service. Retailers want to protect their inventory and improve your shopping experience. They also test new monitoring technology, like smart cameras, to stop theft at self-service checkouts. Many stores now set item limits or require membership for self-checkout use. These changes show that your feedback and store security both shape the future of cashless transactions.

Technology and Customer Experience

Technology plays a big role in your shopping experience at cashless self-checkout kiosks. New systems use AI and sensors to spot fraud and help you scan items correctly. These kiosks can remind you if you miss an item, making transactions smoother and reducing losses for stores. Some stores use computer vision to watch for mistakes or theft in real time. This technology helps you finish transactions faster and with fewer errors. Retailers also test kiosks for security and ease of use, so you feel comfortable during each visit. Privacy remains important, so companies follow strict data protection rules. As technology improves, you get a safer and more efficient shopping experience. Cashless payments and advanced kiosks work together to make your trips to Target and other stores easier and more enjoyable.

Target’s move to card-only self-checkout kiosks helps reduce theft, improve efficiency, and align with cashless retail trends. You benefit from faster checkouts and fewer machine issues, while stores see fewer losses and smoother operations. However, you may face longer lines if you prefer cash or need extra help.

Experts predict that card-only kiosks will shape the future of shopping, blending technology and convenience.
As more retailers adopt these systems, you may want to explore new payment methods and adapt to evolving store experiences.

FAQ

What if you want to pay with cash at Target?

You cannot use cash at target’s self-checkout kiosks. You need to visit a staffed register for cash payments. This helps target keep the checkout process fast and secure for everyone.

Why did Target limit self-checkout to card-only payments?

Target made self-checkout card-only to reduce theft and machine problems. Card-only payments help track transactions and improve security. This self-checkout strategy also makes the shopping experience smoother for customers.

How does card-only self-checkout affect customer convenience?

Card-only payments make self-checkout faster and more reliable. You spend less time waiting for machine repairs. Some customers who prefer cash may find this less convenient, but most enjoy the improved checkout process.

Are cashless transactions becoming more common in stores?

Yes, many retailers use cashless transactions at self-service checkouts. You see more stores using card-only kiosks to boost security and convenience. Customer feedback shows most people like the speed and ease of cashless payments.

See Also

Upcoming Changes To Walmart Self-Checkout In 2025

How Self-Checkout Technology Has Progressed Over Time

Walgreens Self-Checkout: Benefits And Retail Challenges Explained

Understanding And Fixing Cash Errors At Self-Checkout

Cloudpick’s Role In Delivering Cashier-Free Shopping Experiences