Used banknote reader - Why isn't it worth the risk?
Savings that could cost you dearly
Buying second-hand equipment is a tempting proposition, especially if you run a business that requires multiple payment devices. A used terminal, vending machine, or banknote reader can cost up to half as much as a new model. But before you decide to make such a purchase, it's worth asking yourself one question: is it really worth it?
In the world of payment automation, one of the key elements that influences the efficiency and security of transactions is the banknote reader. It verifies the authenticity of money, accepts or rejects it, and increasingly also communicates with the machine's central operating system.
But what if such a reader is already outdated and its technical support has long ended?
In this article, we'll look at why buying a used banknote reader can do more harm than good, the limitations of a lack of updates, and why choosing a new, supported model from Innovative Technology is an investment that simply pays off.
Manufacturer support – a key limitation
One of the most important, yet often underestimated, aspects when purchasing a banknote reader is the manufacturer's technical support period. For Innovative Technology devices, the manufacturer guarantees full support – including access to firmware updates and configuration files – for seven years from the model's production date.
What does this mean in practice?
After this period:
You will no longer be able to download new configuration files from the manufacturer's website
You will not be able to update your device's firmware, even if new features or fixes have been released.
You will not add support for new banknotes that were put into circulation after support ended
In the case of new currencies, updated banknote versions, or security changes, older devices simply won't recognize them. This isn't a bug—it's the result of a lack of updates.
It is worth emphasizing that even if the reader used is technically working perfectly, the lack of update options makes it useless in the context of the changing currency market.
Why are updates important?
Banknotes are changing – your reader should too
Many banknote reader users are unaware that currency authentication relies on so-called configuration files (datasets), which contain information about the physical characteristics and security features of banknotes currently in circulation. Without regular updates to this data, even the most advanced reader becomes… blind.
Meanwhile, banknotes in Poland change regularly.
According to information from the National Bank of Poland, legal tender in Poland are banknotes in the following denominations:
10 zł
20 zł
50 zł
100 zł
200 zł
500 zł
But that's not all. Since 2014, the security features of these banknotes have been gradually modernized, and since 2017, versions coated with a special protective layer have been introduced to increase durability. For example:
10 zł – new version from May 15, 2025
20 zł – new version from September 19, 2025
100 zł, 200 zł – modernized versions from 2014 and 2016
500 zł – new banknote introduced in 2017
Importantly, all these banknotes function in parallel. This means that both pre-modernization and newer versions may be in circulation, and the reader must be able to distinguish and accept each.
No update = rejection of legal banknotes
Older readers that haven't received the dataset update won't recognize the new banknote versions. In practice, this means:
rejection of fully legal means of payment,
generating service errors,
increased risk of complaints or customer dissatisfaction,
device downtime and even financial losses.
Updates = security and business continuity
Each configuration file update contains:
✅ data on new banknotes and their security features,
✅ improvements to reader operation,
✅ improvements in the recognition of worn or unusual banknotes,
✅ anti-fraud protection (e.g. elimination of popular fraud attempts).
That's why the lack of access to updates 7 years after the device's production means not only a lack of new features, but also a real risk that the device will no longer fulfill its basic function.
Consequences of using an outdated reader
Does your device still recognize money?
At first glance, everything may seem to be working properly – banknotes are accepted, the machine doesn't freeze, and customers continue to pay with cash. But problems arise unexpectedly and gradually – first one banknote is rejected, then another… until, eventually, the entire denomination is no longer accepted.
This is exactly what happens when you use an reader without the latest software.
❌ Outdated device = real operational problems
Failure to update configuration files can lead to many undesirable situations:
Rejecting legal banknotes – e.g. new versions of PLN 10 or PLN 20 introduced by the National Bank of Poland in 2025.
False Reads – The reader may recognize a new banknote as incorrect or suspicious.
Not accepting worn or unusual banknotes, even if you have accepted them before.
Stopping the operation of the entire machine – e.g. ticket machine, vending machine, casino, toilet gate.
An increase in the number of customer reports and complaints, which leads to a decrease in trust in the device or the entire brand.
📉 Lost revenue and increased costs
Every rejected 20 PLN payment isn't just an unhappy customer—it's a lost transaction you can't recover. And if the machine rejects every tenth banknote, your losses over the course of a month or year could be significant.
Additionally, the costs of servicing older models are constantly rising:
Difficulty in obtaining spare parts
Lack of manufacturer support
Longer diagnosis and repair times
Risk of having to replace the entire device
⚠️Does it work? That doesn't mean it's safe.
Old devices that lack security updates are more susceptible to fraud and counterfeiting. Configuration files regularly include new algorithms for detecting counterfeit banknotes. Using an outdated reader exposes you to the risk of accepting counterfeit banknotes and the associated legal and financial problems.
Buying a used e-reader – when it really isn't worth it
Cheap on the market, but… with a catch
Advertisement and auction sites tempt buyers with "bargains"—used banknote readers for a fraction of the price of a new device. Sellers often declare the equipment to be "fully functional," "has never failed," or "ideal for vending machines." While this may technically be true, in practice many of these devices no longer qualify for manufacturer support.
And since they cannot be updated, any new banknote – e.g. PLN 10 or PLN 20 in the 2025 version – will be rejected.
🕒 7-year limit – how to check it?
The manufacturer of Innovative Technology brand devices provides support (dataset updates, firmware, spare parts) for 7 years from the date of production of a specific unit, not from the date of purchase.
The seller may claim that "the reader is only 3 years old", but the only reliable source is the serial number, which can be checked directly with the manufacturer or with us.
If your device is over the 7-year threshold:
you will not download current configuration files,
you will not load new currencies or banknotes,
you will not solve problems with detecting certain denominations,
you will lose the opportunity to have it repaired at an authorized service center.
📋 List of models particularly vulnerable
Some older e-readers that often appear in used stores and may no longer be supported:
NV9 (older revisions)
NV10 (ASIC)
BV20 / BV100 – often used in older machines
NV200 without revision ST or SP
Versions without the "+" designation (e.g., NV10USB instead of NV10USB+)
Some of these models may look like newer counterparts, but a slight difference in motherboard or firmware version completely eliminates the possibility of an update.
🤝 Trusting the seller is not enough
When purchasing a used reader, you have no guarantee that the equipment:
It is compatible with current communication protocols (e.g., eSSP),
has the latest firmware version,
will function properly when connected to your machine.
Remember: working device ≠ current device.
Alternative – modern Innovative Technology models
Instead of taking risks, choose future-proof solutions.
Instead of investing in used equipment of uncertain origin and lack of support, it's better to invest in a modern banknote reader that not only works but also evolves with the market. The Innovative Technology brand offers devices designed for long-term support, flexibility, and compatibility with new currencies, denominations, and security standards.
Here are some models that are definitely worth considering:
✅ NV10USB+ – a proven classic in a modern version
This compact and cassette-less reader is one of the most frequently chosen models for:
vending machines,
entertainment devices,
ticket machines, and self-service terminals.
Distinguishing features:
Supports over 100 currencies
Compatible with eSSP, MDB, Pulse, and other protocols
Easy configuration file updates via USB or handheld programmer
Low power consumption
Simple integration and hassle-free maintenance
Full technical support for 7 years from production
This device is available with different beam types (standard, rainbow, extended), which makes it easy to install on many types of machines.
✅ NV200S – speed and precision
A modern reader with a cassette, ideal for places with higher transaction volume:
Retail outlets,
ticket machines,
parking systems.
Advantages of NV200S:
Supports banknotes up to 85 mm wide
Exceptional recognition accuracy
High counterfeit resistance
Suitable for integration with cash recycling systems
Supports new banknotes (including the King Charles III banknote in the UK)
✅ Spectral Payout – for the most demanding
If you're looking for a device that not only accepts but also recycles banknotes of various denominations, Spectral Payout is the perfect choice. It's suitable for:
casinos,
customer service points with large volumes of cash,
automated point-of-sale.
Why is it worth it?
Stores up to 80 banknotes in a full mix of denominations
Eliminates the problem of coin starvation
Reduces the need for frequent cassette emptying
Ensures 99% accuracy on the first banknote feed
Guarantees full support and firmware updates
🛒 Where to buy modern ITL devices?
All models mentioned are available from Innovative Technology's partner ViewPro online store. When you purchase a new device, you receive:
Full manufacturer's warranty,
up-to-date software,
easy integration with your machine,
technical support in Polish.
🔗 See the offer in the ViewPro store
A cheap solution? Not with a banknote reader.
Buying a used banknote reader might seem like a sensible way to save money at first glance. A lower price, a proven model, and quick availability—sounds good, right? Unfortunately, reality shows that this is a false saving that can quickly turn into a costly problem.
The inability to update the software means that such a device will not accept new banknotes regularly introduced by the National Bank of Poland. Furthermore, you may unknowingly be exposed to counterfeiting or downtime, which will generate financial losses and customer frustration.
What do you gain by investing in a new ITL device?
✅ Full technical support for 7 years
✅ Up-to-date configuration files and firmware
✅ Support for all NBP denominations – including the 2025 version
✅ Higher banknote recognition efficiency
✅ Resistance to counterfeiting and malfunctions
✅ Compliance with the latest standards (eSSP, MDB, Pulse)
✅ Smooth operation and customer satisfaction
🛒 Don't take any chances - choose a new, supported model
Instead of relying on luck with used equipment, choose reliability and security. The new NV10USB+, NV200S, and Spectral Payout models are an investment that pays off – through zero downtime, customer satisfaction, and compliance with current market requirements.
🔗 Check out the full range of Innovative Technology banknote readers in the ViewPro store
👉 Go to the store