July 11, 2025, 5:12 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Lidl customers will soon be able to pay with cash at self-service checkouts. 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.
In 2023, the discount retailer Lidl introduced self-service checkouts in select stores in Germany 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-service checkouts. Lidl plans to implement these changes to “Scan & Go” nationwide by early 2026.
Lidl Introduces Cash Payment at “Scan & Go” Checkouts
Until now, customers at the discount retailer’s self-service checkouts could only pay cashlessly with cards or mobile payment solutions like Lidl Pay. The reason for this limitation is 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-service terminal to a newly introduced service checkout, 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 checkout supervisors.
The new service checkouts are intentionally kept simple and integrated directly into the self-service area. They enable special transactions such as returns or the purchase of security-related products, like CO₂ cylinders. Lidl emphasizes that despite automation, no staff reductions are planned. Instead, employees gain time for tasks like customer service or store organization.
How much does cash cost?
Collect Bonus Points with Your Sparkassen Card! What the Change Means for Customers
Aldi discontinues popular service offer! Customers have to adapt
Exit Barriers to Prevent Theft
Alongside this transformation, 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.
Read also: Lidl Significantly Reduces App Bonus Program
To ensure security when using self-service checkouts, Lidl plans to install exit barriers in all stores equipped with self-service checkouts. These barriers will only open when the barcode printed on the receipt is scanned. This can be done 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.