Counting cash by hand is slow and mistakes are expensive. A money counting machine counts banknotes in seconds, totals their value and flags suspect notes. This guide explains the different types of cash counting machines and what to look for when choosing one for AED and foreign currencies.
Types of money counting machines
1. Note counters
Basic note counters count the number of notes in a stack. You sort the notes by denomination first, then the machine counts them quickly. They suit small shops and cafés that handle modest amounts of cash.
2. Value counters (mixed denomination)
Value counters, also called mixed denomination counters, recognise each note and add up the total value of an unsorted stack. You can drop in mixed AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 notes and see the total and breakdown by denomination. This saves a lot of time for supermarkets, restaurants and cash offices. See models such as the Nigachi NC-20 and Cassida Xpecto.
3. Currency discriminators and sorters
Discriminators and sorters go further by separating notes by denomination, orientation or fitness. A two-pocket machine sends suspect or rejected notes to a second pocket without stopping the count, which is ideal for banks and exchange houses. Examples include the Cassida Artemis and Zeus, the Plus P30 two-pocket and P16 single-pocket discriminators, and the Hitachi IH-110.
4. Coin counters and sorters
If you handle a lot of coins, such as car washes, parking operators, vending businesses and supermarkets, a coin counter and sorter such as the Cassida Coin Max, C550 or Glory Mach-9E counts and sorts AED coins far faster than by hand.
5. Counterfeit money detectors
Stand-alone counterfeit detectors, such as the Cassida 3200 and Nigachi UV/MG/WM detectors, check individual notes at the till. They are a low-cost way to protect cashiers who do not need a full counting machine.
What to look for
- Counterfeit detection: look for several detection methods, such as ultraviolet (UV), magnetic (MG), watermark (WM), infrared and image checks. The more methods a machine uses, the harder it is for a fake note to pass.
- New AED polymer notes: the UAE has introduced new polymer banknotes. Make sure the machine recognises both the older paper notes and the newer polymer notes, and that its software can be updated as new notes are issued.
- Currencies: exchange houses and hotels should check which foreign currencies are supported, such as USD, EUR, GBP, SAR and INR.
- Speed and hopper size: high-volume cash offices need a larger hopper and faster counting speed.
- Batching and reports: batching stops the count at a set number of notes for bundling. Some machines can print or export count reports.
- Service and updates: choose a supplier who can update the machine's software locally and provide support.
Quick guide: which machine fits your business?
| Your business | Recommended machine |
|---|---|
| Small shop or café | Note counter or counterfeit detector at the till |
| Supermarket or restaurant cash office | Mixed value counter |
| Bank or exchange house | Two-pocket currency discriminator or sorter |
| Car wash, parking or vending | Coin counter and sorter |
| Hotel or multi-currency counter | Multi-currency value counter |
Barcode Links supplies money counting machines and currency sorters, coin counters and counterfeit detectors from Cassida, Hitachi, Glory, Nigachi and Plus to businesses across Dubai and the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Do money counting machines detect fake AED notes?
Machines with several detection methods (UV, magnetic, infrared, watermark and image checks) catch most counterfeits and stop or reject suspect notes. No machine is perfect, so train staff to check rejected notes.
Can the machine count the new polymer AED notes?
Many current models recognise the new polymer notes or can be updated. Ask us to confirm for the model you are considering.
What is the difference between a note counter and a value counter?
A note counter counts how many notes are in a sorted stack. A value counter recognises each denomination and gives the total value of a mixed stack.
Which machine do banks and exchange houses use?
Usually a two-pocket currency discriminator or sorter, which sends suspect notes to a separate pocket without stopping the count.
Related buying guides
- How to choose an ID card printer
- Emirates ID card readers for business
- Biometric time attendance systems for UAE companies
- Choosing the right barcode printer
Get expert advice and a free demo
Not sure which model fits your business? Our team in Dubai will help you compare options, show you the devices in a free demo and send a quick quote. WhatsApp us or call +971 56 544 0892.