As more venues shift toward cashless environments, the demand for convenient, scalable, and user-friendly payment solutions continues to grow. From stadiums to university campuses, customers expect faster, simpler ways to pay, while operators look for systems that reduce friction and streamline operations.
Wavetec’s Instant Card Issuance solution empowers venues to issue fully activated prepaid cards on-site, in a matter of seconds. But the innovation doesn’t stop there.
This blog breaks down how instant card issuance works, the technology behind it, and why it’s becoming essential for high-traffic environments.
What Is Instant Card Issuance?
Instant card issuance enables venues to offer customers a way to obtain a prepaid card at a self-service kiosk, without needing a bank account or app. The card is dispensed, activated, and ready to use immediately.
This solution is ideal for venues that want to:
- Eliminate cash handling.
- Offer on-the-spot, cash-to-card conversion.
- Improve guest experience through fast, secure transactions.
Use Cases in High-Traffic Venues
The system is designed for fast-paced environments where convenience and speed matter most. Here’s how it fits into different spaces:
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Stadiums and Arenas
In a live event setting, every second counts. Instant card issuance eliminates the hassle of long cash queues, allowing guests to convert their cash into prepaid cards quickly. These cards can then be used for food, drinks, and merchandise throughout the venue, cutting wait times and boosting overall sales.
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Universities and Campuses
Students need simple, accessible payment methods. On-site kiosks can issue campus-specific prepaid or debit cards for dining halls, vending machines, printing services, or events. They’re also an efficient way to manage financial aid disbursements or budgets, especially for students without the need for a bank account.
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Event Venues and Amusement Parks
Managing cash in large, crowded venues is a logistical challenge. With instant card issuance, visitors can load their cash onto prepaid cards and tap to pay for rides, games, and snacks. It’s safer than carrying loose bills and coins and much more efficient for vendors.
Watch how a major stadium in Canada uses Wavetec’s Instant Card Issuance solution to power quick, cashless payments on-site.
Easy Integration or Standalone Deployment
Wavetec’s solution is designed for flexibility, whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading an existing setup.
If your venue already has kiosk infrastructure, the card issuance system integrates with minimal changes. That means lower costs, less downtime, and a faster rollout. With just a few adjustments, your existing kiosks can start issuing cards right away.
If you’re starting fresh, the system also works as a standalone unit. These compact, self-contained kiosks are built to fit into any environment – stadium concourses, campuses, festival grounds, you name it. Indoors or outdoors, they’re secure, reliable, and easy to use.
Built-In Advertising When Idle
When the kiosk isn’t actively in use, it doesn’t sit idle – it works for you. The screen can double as a dynamic advertising display, promoting upcoming events, brand partnerships, loyalty programs, or venue-specific promotions.
This turns every kiosk into a marketing asset. Whether it’s showing sponsored content or highlighting your venue’s latest offers, the built-in screen ensures visibility in high-footfall areas. It’s a smart way to generate additional value from your deployment, without needing extra space or hardware.
Why Venues Are Making the Shift
Instant card issuance makes it easy for guests to pay quickly and securely – no cash, no bank accounts, no hassle. Since the cards are preloaded, they’re safer for use in crowded venues like stadiums or concerts, where theft or data exposure can be a concern.
Kiosks also keep foot traffic flowing. Guests can grab a card during halftime or between sets and start using it almost immediately. During peak times, those saved minutes help reduce congestion and improve the overall experience.
From an operational perspective, self-service kiosks reduce staffing needs, cut down overhead, and improve efficiency. Plus, prepaid cards can be branded, integrated into loyalty programs, and used to gather insights on guest behavior and preferences.
Whether you’re planning your first cashless initiative or expanding an existing one, this solution offers a scalable, secure, and user-centric approach to modern payments.
Get in Touch to Learn More
Schedule a demo to explore how Wavetec’s Instant Card Issuance solution can help your venue go cashless, without the complications.
Cashless experiences are quickly becoming the standard across high-traffic environments like stadiums, universities, and entertainment venues. Whether it’s reducing operational overhead or enhancing customer convenience, going cashless offers clear advantages. But while mobile payments and cards have become common, cash users are often left behind. That’s where on-site instant card issuance comes in.
What Is Instant Card Issuance? Instant card issuance allows venues to issue fully activated prepaid or debit cards on-site, in real-time. Visitors simply approach a kiosk, insert cash (or validate a pre-staged transaction), and receive a physical, branded card they can use instantly. No need for a bank account or mobile app. It’s a seamless way to include every type of customer in the cashless economy.
The Power of Self-Service Kiosks: The entire issuance process is handled via self-service kiosks that require no staff assistance. These kiosks are equipped with secure hardware and integrated software that verifies, processes, and dispenses cards in under a minute. Azimut’s kiosks can even support voice-activated commands through an AI assistant, transforming the experience into an intuitive, interactive exchange.
Why It Works for Venues: From high footfall and fast-moving crowds to the need for operational efficiency, venues face unique challenges. Instant card issuance solves multiple problems at once:
- Reduces cash handling and shrinkage
- Speeds up entry and point-of-sale transactions
- Enhances customer experience with modern, branded cards
- Supports scalability across multiple locations or events
WhatsApp Pre-Staging for Faster Collection
To make the process even smoother, customers can initiate their card request via WhatsApp before arriving at the venue. Once on-site, they simply validate their transaction at the kiosk and collect their card—no waiting, no hassle. It’s a smart way to keep queues short and service flowing.
A Tested Model with Real Impact
Azimut’s instant issuance kiosks are already being used at large venues, enabling a smooth, cashless experience while easing operational complexity behind the scenes. From sports arenas to college campuses, partners are seeing tangible benefits: faster service, reduced staffing needs, and improved guest satisfaction.
Conclusion: A Seamless Step Toward a Smarter Venue
Instant card issuance isn’t just a workaround for cash users – it’s a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the future of payment. For venues looking to modernize operations while ensuring inclusivity, self-service kiosks with instant issuance capabilities offer the perfect balance of speed, security, and convenience.
As venues, universities, and stadiums continue evolving toward more seamless customer experiences, cashless infrastructure is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Azimut’s new Instant Card Issuance solution, now available in the U.S., empowers high-traffic spaces to issue prepaid or debit cards on-site, instantly and securely.
From cutting down queues to expanding payment access, here’s how Azimut’s technology is helping modern venues take the next step toward operational ease and customer satisfaction.
On-the-Spot Card Issuance—No Bank App, No Waiting
Azimut enables customers to receive fully activated, branded debit or prepaid cards in seconds via a self-service kiosk. Whether it’s a concert venue, a college campus, or a theme park, the experience is frictionless:
- Insert cash → Receive card → Start using instantly.
- No banking relationship or mobile app required.
- Reduces operational load on staff and eliminates cash handling.
Ai-Vatar: Interactive Voice-Powered Transactions
What sets Azimut apart is Ai-Vatar, the built-in AI assistant that transforms standard kiosks into interactive, intelligent machines.
- Customers can complete card issuance through voice commands.
- Provides a more intuitive, accessible user journey.
- Ideal for venues that want to stand out with futuristic, easy-to-use tech.
Pre-Stage Through WhatsApp: Skip the Queues
To save even more time, Azimut supports pre-staging card requests via WhatsApp:
- Customers request their card from home or on the go.
- Once at the venue, they simply validate their transaction at the kiosk.
- No need to fill forms or queue – just tap and collect.
This convenience is especially valuable during large-scale events where efficiency is key.
Real-Time Monitoring & Data-Driven Decisions
Venue operators aren’t just getting a kiosk—they’re getting insightful analytics:
- Live dashboards show transaction data, kiosk activity, and inventory levels.
- Operators can monitor performance and optimize placement and usage.
- Helps forecast demand and troubleshoot issues faster.
Flexible Deployment, Maximum Compatibility
Azimut’s Instant Issuance solution works with:
- Your existing kiosks – no major hardware overhaul required.
- As a standalone kiosk, perfect for entry points, lounges, or concourses.
- It’s designed to scale with your operations and adapt to your environment.
Already Live in High-Traffic Venues
This isn’t theory—it’s tested. Azimut is already powering card issuance at major venues, helping partners:
- Go fully cashless.
- Increase customer satisfaction.
- Reduce operational friction.
- Gain better control over payments and data.
Lead the Cashless Shift
Whether you’re upgrading your current systems or launching a new initiative, Azimut makes it easier to go cashless—smarter.
Ready to see it in action?
