COIN ESCROW

Coin escrow modules, interim coin storage and mounting frames for secure coin-operated machines

The coin escrow and interim coin storage category brings together specialised coin handling modules that support secure operation of professional coin-operated vending, parking and ticket machines as well as kiosks. These systems are built around escrow units placed between the coin validator and the hoppers: inserted coins are first collected in an escrow tube or hopper, and only transferred to the machine's hoppers or cash box once the transaction has been successfully completed. If the payment is cancelled or an error occurs, the escrow returns all coins to the customer in one go. This gives you stronger protection against fraud attempts and disputes, while ensuring that the customer either receives the product or gets all of their money back.

WH Münzprüfer Berlin's TWS 100-based solution, the WH Berlin 10-way sorter/ CCTALK HUB/ coin system controller, combines a 10-way sorter, escrow and CCTALK HUB function in a single compact module. It can route the coin stream to up to 10 different outputs – multiple hoppers, a cash box or a reject bowl – while the interim escrow holds the inserted coins until the transaction result is known. The different Chassis "housing only" frames (manual reject and motor reject versions) and the Chassis – coin validator frame WH Berlin, manual reject are designed to clamp an EMP860 coin validator, an E105 escrow unit and an ES003.x coin shutter into a rigid assembly which can be mounted quickly into your machines. The Aykoyen Combo Tower coin handling system, based on Azkoyen components, is a complete coin accept and payout module that handles up to 6 denominations with an integrated sorter, hoppers and escrow.

How does a coin escrow work and why is it important?

A coin escrow's main function is to hold the customer's coins "on standby" until the machine decides whether the transaction can be completed. When everything is fine, the coins are transferred into the hoppers or cash box; when something goes wrong – the customer cancels, a vend fails or the machine is out of stock – the escrow releases all coins back to the return path. This greatly reduces opportunities for fraud, coin "fishing" and misunderstandings, because it is always clear that either the service was provided or the full amount was refunded.

WH Berlin and Azkoyen solutions typically use ccTalk or other industrial protocols (USB/TTL, MDB), so they integrate well into modern payment controllers. The low profile carousel design of the TWS 100 sorter allows 10-way coin routing and multiple hoppers even in tight spaces, while the Azkoyen Combo Tower provides high-speed acceptance and modular architecture for kiosks, parking systems and unattended retail payment terminals.

Benefits: security, fast recirculation and compact layouts

One of the key benefits of escrow modules is security: if the transaction is interrupted, all coins are returned to the customer via the reject path, so there is no "half-finished" payment left inside the machine. Escrow is especially valuable in high-traffic environments – parking payment kiosks, public transport ticketing, laundromats and car washes – where fast yet transparent cash handling is crucial. The WH Berlin 10-way sorter/ CCTALK HUB, the various Chassis frames and the Aykoyen Combo Tower together form a coherent chain in which validator, escrow, sorter and hoppers are all linked by well-defined mechanical and electrical interfaces.

Another advantage is that the Chassis frames come with the correct mounting points and cut-outs, so WH Berlin EMP series validators, E105 escrow units, ES003.x shutters and EMR100 reject motors can be integrated quickly into a standardised kiosk front. Industrial metal housings cope better with mechanical stress, vandalism and temperature changes than improvised sheet metal work, and regular maintenance is easier because all the critical components remain accessible.

Quality, local service, maintenance and financing

Behind these escrow and coin handling solutions is a team with more than 25 years of experience in cash handling and self-service systems. WH Berlin and Azkoyen technologies are widely used in parking, ticketing, laundromat and car wash equipment, so you are building on proven, field-tested components. Local service in Budapest, together with local and European stock and project-based technical support, helps ensure that your chosen configuration performs as expected in real-world conditions – not only in the datasheet.

On the commercial side you can benefit from project-specific quotations, delivery from stock or via scheduled shipments, various shipping and customs options, post-delivery payment terms and invoicing in HUF or EUR. Regular maintenance – cleaning the mechanics, checking sensors and updating firmware – is essential to keep escrow units, coin sorters and their associated Chassis frames running smoothly in continuous operation.

FAQ – coin escrow and interim coin storage systems

How is a coin escrow different from a simple coin payout via hopper?

   A coin escrow is an intermediate storage that keeps the inserted coins until the transaction is final. If the vend is successful the coins are transferred to the internal hoppers; if it fails, the escrow returns all coins at once, which makes cash handling more transparent and reduces disputes.

What advantage does a 10-way sorter offer over a simple diverter?

   A 10-way sorter – such as the WH Berlin 10-way sorter/ CCTALK HUB – can distribute coins to several hoppers and the cash box, with up to ten separate paths. This lets you separate denominations, optimise change levels and implement more flexible cash management strategies inside the machine.

Why use dedicated Chassis frames instead of custom metalwork?

   Factory-designed Chassis frames match the mounting patterns of EMP validators, E105 escrow units and ES003.x shutters exactly. That means faster installation, less drilling and fitting, and easier service later because you can rely on well-documented, manufacturer-approved mounting points.

What do industrial escrow systems offer that low-cost consumer coin acceptors lack?

   Industrial escrow systems deliver high-speed coin processing, pre-vend storage, simultaneous handling of multiple denominations, advanced anti-fraud features and long-term spare part support. These capabilities are usually missing from basic, non-industrial coin acceptors, which are not intended for 24/7, high-volume use.