Originally Posted: Sept, 11, 2020
Updated On: Feb, 10, 2025 3:13 PM ET • 2 min read

Someone holding a credit card up to a tap & go reader on a parking pay station

When it comes to gated parking facilities, ensuring your payment options meet customer standards is key to creating a seamless experience. Credit cards remain the primary payment method for many Canadians, while alternate cashless payments for in-lane and on-foot pay stations are growing rapidly.

Gated parking systems typically consist of three types of pay stations: in-lane entry and exit, and stand-alone pay stations located inside or outside of the facility. Payment options may differ depending on the configuration of the gated solution. However, the leading-edge payment recommendations outlined below can help your facility meet today’s payment standards, while remaining adaptable for future integrations.

Chip-and-Pin: Although it has decreased in popularity, today, more than 80% of Canadian merchants still offer Euro Mastercard Visa (EMV)-certified payment technology for chip-equipped Interac and credit cards. Updating your parking technology to facilitate EMV payment standards ensures higher levels of security for chip transactions. Credit cards still contain mag stripes; however, they are typically only used as a backup. Chip-and-pin payment technology at both in-lane and on-foot pay stations is today’s standard for gated parking facilities.
Tap-and-Go: Tap-and-go payment technology is also a common integration at gated parking facilities, allowing customers to pay for parking by simply tapping their credit card or mobile wallet. As credit cards, Interac, and mobile payments are becoming standard in the parking industry, contactless payments are creating a convenient and seamless experience that customers have come to expect.
Mobile Payments: Mobile payment platforms are now a must-have for parking facilities. These platforms enable customers to locate parking lots, pay for parking, and extend their sessions directly from their mobile device. Integrating mobile parking apps with your facility also provides a platform for customers to reserve parking, manage digital parking permits, and schedule last-mile services. Additionally, scan-to-pay options offer app-free payments, creating seamless access to your facility.
RFID and barcode scanners: Integrating RFID readers into your parking system grants authorized individuals access to gated facilities through vehicle transponders. Transponders are instantly recognized at entry points, providing a hands-free parking experience. Barcode scanners allow using QR codes and barcodes as forms of payment, whether for digital permits, promotions, validations, or loyalty programs. Readers are becoming increasingly popular at parking facilities due to the convenience, flexibility, and accessibility they offer.

Bluetooth low energy (BLE) detection: Accepting BLE permits, validations, and reservations provides registered visitors access to a gated parking facility by simply enabling their mobile Bluetooth. A BLE reader will automatically detect and verify payment at the parking lot entry or exit. BLE detection is becoming a widely adopted practice to enhance payment flexibility and accessibility.
Coin and cash: Although Canadians are transitioning toward a cashless society, your parking facility should continue to accept cash at Pay-on-Foot pay stations. Many leading organizations choose to go cashless simply for the convenience, accessibility, and increased security and accuracy of financial reconciliation.

Technological advancements and changing customer preferences are driving the global shift toward cashless payments and shaping the types of standard payment options at gated parking facilities. In addition to cash and chip-and-pin, integrating innovative technology that supports alternate payment methods ensures your facility remains flexible while providing a seamless parking experience.