Abstract: A vending machine has a nonvolatile data storage device for storing transactions with customers. The customers may use a number of cashless options to make purchases from the vending machine, including magnetic credit or debit cards, or universal vending cards. The transactions are stored on the storage device and later retrieved either locally or remotely. The security of the data is enhanced by requiring separate passwords for the data storage device, access to the data storage device, and, optionally for the vending machine controller. In addition, the data is inaccessible should the storage device become separated from the controller.

Abstract: A vending machine has a nonvolatile data storage device for storing transactions with customers. The customers may use a number of cashless options to make purchases from the vending machine, including magnetic credit or debit cards, or universal vending cards. The transactions are stored on the storage device and later retrieved either locally or remotely. The security of the data is enhanced by requiring separate passwords for the data storage device, access to the data storage device, and, optionally, for the vending machine controller. In addition, the data is inaccessible should the storage device become separated from the controller.