July 11, 2025, 12:12 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Lidl customers will soon be able to pay with cash at self-checkout stations. The discount retailer plans to significantly expand its “Scan & Go” system to 200 more stores by February 2026. This move addresses one of the biggest criticisms from customers so far.
In 2023, the discount retailer Lidl introduced self-checkout registers in select stores for the first time. Since then, the so-called “Scan & Go” system has been continuously expanded. Lidl announced further expansion phases for the coming months, which will address a major customer complaint. Soon, cash payments will be possible at the self-checkout registers. Lidl aims to implement the changes to “Scan & Go” nationwide by early 2026.
Lidl Introduces Cash Payments at “Scan & Go” Registers
Until now, payments at the discount retailer’s self-checkout registers could only be made cashless with a card or mobile payment solutions like Lidl Pay. This limitation was due to a technical issue with printing receipts. However, a modernization of the “Scan & Go” systems will soon allow cash payments at Lidl.
According to the “Lebensmittel-Zeitung,” a technical workaround is being used: The digital receipt is transferred from the self-checkout terminal to a newly introduced service register, where the cash payment is made. The test phase is currently underway in initial stores. In other countries, the system is already established and allows direct receipt transfers by cashiers.
The new service registers are intentionally kept simple and integrated directly into the self-checkout area. They enable special transactions such as returns or the purchase of security-related products, like CO₂ cylinders. Lidl emphasizes that despite automation, there are no plans for staff reductions. Instead, employees will have more time for tasks like customer service or store organization.
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Exit Barriers to Prevent Theft
In parallel with this restructuring, Lidl is expanding its “Scan & Go” system. Customers will be able to scan products with their smartphones and pay directly. This is already possible at around ten locations, but by February 2026, the system is expected to be available in about 200 stores. To promote the new concept, test users receive a five-euro voucher after their first purchase.
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To ensure security when using the self-checkout registers, Lidl plans to install exit barriers in all stores equipped with self-checkout registers. These barriers will only open when the barcode printed on the receipt is scanned. This is possible with both paper and digital receipts via the Lidl Plus app. The barriers are intended to prevent theft, as previous models with only optical surveillance proved insufficient.