McDonald’s Tests Cash-Handling Kiosks in Select Locations

McDonald’s has begun testing a new digital kiosk capable of accepting cash and dispensing change, potentially reducing the need for human cashiers in the future. This comes after the fast-food giant installed self-order screens at most locations in 2020, which, until now, have only accepted card payments. Cash-paying customers had to complete their transactions at the counter, but the new kiosks aim to streamline this process.

So far, only a few restaurants have adopted the new cash kiosks. According to a McDonald’s spokesperson, “These changes allow franchisees to meet our customers’ increased desire for digital options, while improving speed and accuracy.”

Behind-the-counter screens will now highlight specific menu items and guide customers to order at the kiosks or through the McDonald’s app, further promoting digital ordering methods. However, the adoption of these kiosks remains optional for the company’s franchisees, who manage about 95 percent of McDonald’s 14,300 U.S. locations. Currently, fewer than 2 percent of franchisees have opted to implement the kiosks and screens.

The company has yet to confirm a timeline for a broader rollout, but emphasized that the new technology will not lead to job cuts. Instead, employees will be reassigned to roles such as delivering food to online customers or improving the overall guest experience. Despite these assurances, some concerns continued automation could eventually replace cashier positions, especially with rising labor costs like California’s $20-per-hour minimum wage for fast-food workers.

Other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell and Panera, have also implemented self-order screens, which have been well-received by customers. McDonald’s has benefited from the growing trend, with digital sales, including orders made through the app, self-order kiosks, and delivery, making up over 40 percent of its sales in top markets during the third quarter of last year.

“Digital is going to continue to grow for us,” McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said in July, highlighting the company’s increasing focus on its digital platform.