Why Do Vending Machines Reject Bills?

Vending machines reject bills because there is something wrong with the money being used or the machine’s bill acceptor.

4 Reasons Why Vending Machines Reject Bills

1. Malfunctioning bill acceptor

The device that handles money in a vending machine is called a bill acceptor. Like all technology, bill acceptors need regular maintenance for them to function properly. Otherwise, they will start rejecting bills through no fault of the customer.

2. Counterfeit money

Do not try to trick a vending machine. You will not be successful. Valid bills and coins have a specific weight that the vending machine looks for. Counterfeit money does not weigh the same as real money.

In addition, the vending machine will reject money that was legitimately created but improperly minted. The vending machine will think the money is fake.

3. No more coins

Vending machines have a limited number of coins at their disposal. They might not have enough change to give to a customer if that person inserts a large bill. As a result, the vending machine must reject the bill and ask the customer (via the display) to insert a smaller bill.

4. Contaminated money

Cash is a notorious germ magnet. Just think about the number of people that touch a dollar bill throughout its life cycle. That’s a lot of hands! At the microscopic level, one bill can have a myriad of germs that can make people seriously sick.

On the surface level, the bill acceptor may not be able to read the bill properly because of smudges or faded ink. Readability decreases as the bill’s age increases. The dollar bill might be worn out to the point where it is unrecognizable.

What to Do When Vending Machines Reject Your Bills

Make sure the bill is facing the right way

There is usually a picture above the money slot for people to see. Pay attention to which direction the bill is facing before inserting the money into the slot.

Smooth out rough edges on the bill

Make sure the corners are not folded. This can prevent the bill from properly being inserted. Use the edge of the vending machine to flatten the dollar bill if needed.

Use another machine

If another machine has the exact snack that you are looking for, then you are in luck. Use that machine. What if it doesn’t? What if the snack is only available in the first machine?

Try this. Use the second machine to exchange your dollar bill for coins. Insert the coins into the vending machine of interest.

Use other money

See if you have other dollar bills in your wallet. If not, then ask someone nearby for change.

Ask for help

See if there are any vending machine technicians nearby that can help you. People regularly refill the vending machines with new snacks. See if this is the day that they do it.