The best money counter for small retail business depends on your needs. The Cassida 6600 UV/MG is best for budget-conscious shops needing fast, reliable counting at an affordable price. The KOLIBRI KBR-1500 V2 excels at mixed denomination counting with automatic value recognition. For businesses handling multiple currencies, the KOLIBRI KBR-500 stands out with support for USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, and MXN.
Choosing the right money counter saves time, reduces errors, and protects your business from counterfeit bills. We’ve tested and compared seven top-rated models to help you find the perfect fit for your retail operation.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Counting Speed | Counterfeit Detection | Mixed Denomination | Display Size | Warranty | Multi-Currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cassida 6600 UV/MG | 1,400 bills/min | UV, MG, IR | No | 2.8″ TFT | 1 year | USD only |
| KOLIBRI KBR-1500 V2 | 1,200 bills/min | UV, MG, IR | Yes, auto-reads | Large TFT | 3 years | USD only |
| KOLIBRI KBR-500 | 1,200 bills/min | IR, UV, MG, MT | Yes, auto-reads | Standard TFT | 3 years | 5 currencies |
| Money Counter 1000 | 1,000 bills/min | UV, MG, IR, DD | No | LCD | N/A | USD only |
| LOLARAN N71 | 1,200 bills/min | IR, UV, MG, DD | Yes, auto-reads | 3.5″ + side screen | N/A | 5 currencies |
| Cassida 6600 UV | 1,400 bills/min | UV, IR | No | 2.8″ TFT | 1 year | USD only |
| CN5 Money Counter | 800 bills/min | UV, MG, IR, DD | Yes | LCD | N/A | 5 currencies |
1. Cassida 6600 UV/MG – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Best for: Small retail shops looking for fast, reliable counting without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Counting Speed | Up to 1,400 bills per minute |
| Counterfeit Detection | UV, MG, and IR sensors |
| Display | 2.8″ TFT touch screen |
| Operating Modes | Count, Add, Batch, Add+Batch |
| Support | Free lifetime tech support |
The Cassida 6600 UV/MG is the best choice for small retail shops seeking fast, reliable counting without breaking the bank. This machine blazes through bills at 1,400 per minute, making it one of the fastest counters on our list. Its triple-layer counterfeit detection system catches fake bills instantly with UV, magnetic, and infrared sensors.
The 2.8-inch touchscreen is intuitive and displays full counting reports in seconds. You get multiple counting modes including Add and Batch functions for flexible cash management. Cassida backs this model with free lifetime technical support from San Diego, proving their commitment to customer service.
The main limitation is that it only counts single denominations—you can’t mix bills and get automatic value recognition. However, for straightforward daily cash counting, this machine delivers outstanding value.
Pros:
- Fastest speed at 1,400 bills/min
- Affordable price point
- Triple counterfeit detection
- Lifetime tech support included
Cons:
- Single denomination only
- No automatic value recognition
2. KOLIBRI KBR-1500 V2 – Best for Mixed Denominations
Best for: Busy retail stores that need to count mixed bills and get automatic value totals.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Counting Speed | 1,200 bills per minute |
| Mixed Denomination | Automatic recognition and sorting |
| Counterfeit Detection | UV, MG, IR sensors |
| Operating Modes | Mix, Sort, Count, Add, Batch |
| Warranty | 3-year manufacturer warranty |
The KOLIBRI KBR-1500 V2 is the best choice for busy retail stores handling mixed denominations throughout the day. This machine automatically reads mixed stacks of bills, sorts them by denomination, and calculates the total value—saving you massive amounts of time. At 1,200 bills per minute, it keeps pace with high-volume counting demands.
The advanced UV, MG, and IR detection system protects against counterfeits with zero-error accuracy. Five operating modes give you flexibility for different cash-handling scenarios. KOLIBRI backs this machine with a 3-year warranty and lifetime California-based tech support, ensuring you’re covered for years.
The higher price reflects its premium mixed-denomination capabilities, but the time savings justify the investment for busy shops.
Pros:
- Automatic mixed denomination sorting
- Calculates total value instantly
- Multiple operating modes
- 3-year warranty + lifetime support
Cons:
- Higher price point
- USD only (no multi-currency)
3. KOLIBRI KBR-500 – Best Multi-Currency Option
Best for: International retailers or shops that handle USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, and MXN.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Counting Speed | 1,200 bills per minute |
| Supported Currencies | USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, MXN |
| Counterfeit Detection | IR, UV, MG, MT sensors |
| Mixed Denomination | Automatic sorting included |
| Support | 3-year warranty, lifetime support |
The KOLIBRI KBR-500 is perfect for international retailers handling multiple currencies with confidence. This machine supports five major currencies—USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, and MXN—making it ideal for border towns or diverse customer bases. It counts at 1,200 bills per minute while automatically recognizing and sorting mixed denominations.
The four-layer counterfeit detection system includes infrared, ultraviolet, magnetic, and mechanical sensors for maximum protection. Multiple counting modes handle any cash-management scenario your business throws at it. KOLIBRI’s US-based design and engineering, backed by a 3-year warranty and lifetime support, gives you peace of mind.
This is an excellent mid-range option that balances features, price, and multi-currency capability for growing retail businesses.
Pros:
- Supports 5 major currencies
- Automatic mixed denomination sorting
- Four-layer counterfeit detection
- Excellent warranty and support
Cons:
- Mid-to-higher price range
- More complex for basic needs
4. Money Counter Machine 1000 – Best Budget Option
Best for: Tight-budget retailers who need basic, reliable counting with counterfeit protection.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Counting Speed | 1,000 bills per minute |
| Counterfeit Detection | UV, MG, IR, DD systems |
| Display | LCD with external screen |
| Operating Modes | Value, Add, Batch modes |
| Noise Level | Under 60 dB |
The Money Counter Machine 1000 is the best choice for tight-budget retailers who won’t compromise on quality. At just $82.59, this machine delivers exceptional value with 1,000 bills per minute counting speed. The comprehensive counterfeit detection system includes UV, magnetic, infrared, and double-bill detection.
The LCD display with external screen option lets you see totals from multiple angles. Three operating modes—Value, Add, and Batch—handle most retail cash-counting needs. The compact design and quiet operation under 60 dB make it perfect for busy storefronts without disturbing customers.
This budget option sacrifices some premium features but provides solid, dependable performance for small shops just starting out.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable price
- Comprehensive counterfeit detection
- Quiet operation (under 60 dB)
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Slower speed than premium models
- No mixed denomination support
5. LOLARAN N71 – Best Dual-Display Design
Best for: Retail shops wanting customer-facing visibility with mixed denomination counting and multi-currency support.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Counting Speed | 1,200 bills per minute |
| Display System | 3.5″ main + side screen |
| Supported Currencies | USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, MXN |
| Counterfeit Detection | IR, UV, MG, DD sensors |
| Operating Modes | Mix, Sort, Count, Batch, Add |
The LOLARAN N71 is perfect for shops wanting to display counting data to customers while maintaining operator control. The unique dual-screen design features a 3.5-inch main display plus a side screen, enabling clear visibility from multiple angles. This builds customer confidence during transactions and reduces disputes.
The machine counts 1,200 bills per minute while automatically recognizing and sorting five different currencies. Four-layer counterfeit detection ensures zero-error fraud protection. Five flexible operating modes handle any cash scenario from mixed denomination counting to batch processing.
The package includes helpful accessories like IR calibration paper, cleaning cloth, and currency straps. This is an excellent choice for customer-facing retail environments.
Pros:
- Unique dual-screen visibility
- 5 currency support included
- Automatic mixed denomination sorting
- Includes accessories and calibration tools
Cons:
- Mid-to-higher price point
- Warranty info not clearly specified
6. Cassida 6600 UV – Best Lightweight Option
Best for: Small shops wanting top-tier speed and reliability without the magnetic sensor complexity.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Counting Speed | 1,400 bills per minute |
| Counterfeit Detection | UV and IR sensors |
| Display | 2.8″ TFT touch screen |
| Operating Modes | Count, Add, Batch, Add+Batch |
| Support | Free lifetime tech support |
The Cassida 6600 UV is the best lightweight option for shops prioritizing speed without magnetic detection features. This machine matches the UV/MG model’s blazing 1,400 bills per minute speed, making it the fastest counter available. The UV and infrared detection system catches most counterfeits effectively for typical retail environments.
The 2.8-inch touchscreen is user-friendly with full counting reports displayed instantly. Multiple operating modes including Add and Batch functions provide flexibility for different cash-handling scenarios. Cassida’s reputation and free lifetime support from San Diego back this reliable workhorse.
This is an excellent alternative if you want Cassida’s speed and reliability at a slightly lower price point than the UV/MG model.
Pros:
- Fastest speed available at 1,400 bills/min
- Affordable Cassida quality
- Simple, reliable UV+IR detection
- Lifetime tech support included
Cons:
- Single denomination only
- No magnetic detection included
7. CN5 Money Counter – Best Value for Multi-Currency
Best for: International retailers on a budget who handle multiple currencies and need mixed denomination counting.
Key Features:
| Feature | Details |
| Counting Speed | 800 bills per minute |
| Supported Currencies | USD, EUR, MXN, GBP, CAD |
| Counterfeit Detection | UV, MG, IR, DD sensors |
| Display | Large LCD screen |
| Extra Feature | Printer compatibility |
The CN5 Money Counter offers excellent value for international retailers seeking multi-currency support at a competitive price. This machine handles five major currencies—USD, EUR, MXN, GBP, and CAD—making it ideal for border communities. The mixed denomination counting capability saves time by automatically sorting different bill values.
The comprehensive counterfeit detection system includes UV, magnetic, infrared, and double-bill sensors. A unique printer compatibility feature lets you generate detailed reports for accounting and compliance. The large LCD screen displays data clearly for easy reading.
While the 800 bills per minute speed is slower than premium models, it’s still adequate for most small retail operations and costs significantly less.
Pros:
- 5 currency support at budget price
- Mixed denomination counting included
- Printer compatibility for reports
- Comprehensive counterfeit detection
Cons:
- Slower counting speed (800 bills/min)
- Limited warranty information
How to Choose best money counter for small retail business
Counting Speed
Counting speed determines how quickly you process daily cash drops and end-of-shift reconciliation. Most retail shops need at least 1,000 bills per minute to handle typical transaction volumes efficiently.
Look for machines rated at 1,200 bills per minute or higher if you handle high-volume transactions. Slower models work fine for small shops with light cash flow.
Counterfeit Detection Capability
Counterfeit detection protects your business from accepting fake bills that cost you real money. The most reliable systems use multiple detection methods including UV, magnetic, and infrared sensors.
Choose machines with at least three detection methods for maximum protection. Single or dual-detection systems work for low-risk environments but offer less security.
Single vs. Mixed Denomination
Single denomination counters work great for shops that separate bills by type before counting. Mixed denomination models save time by automatically recognizing and sorting different bill values simultaneously.
If you handle lots of mixed cash throughout the day, invest in a mixed denomination counter. For simple, straightforward counting, single denomination models cost less and work fine.
Multi-Currency Support
Multi-currency machines are essential if you serve international customers or operate near borders. These models recognize and count USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, and MXN automatically.
Single-currency models are cheaper but limit your business flexibility. Choose multi-currency if your customer base is diverse or international.
Warranty and Support
A good warranty protects your investment if something breaks during normal use. Lifetime tech support means you can always call with questions or problems.
Look for at least a 1-year warranty and free technical support. Three-year warranties with lifetime support offer maximum peace of mind for growing businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can money counters detect all types of counterfeit bills?
No machine catches 100% of counterfeits, but multi-sensor systems (UV, MG, IR) catch the vast majority. Always train staff to spot obvious fakes and report suspicious bills to authorities.
Do I need a mixed denomination counter for my small shop?
Not necessarily. If you sort bills by type before counting, a single denomination counter works fine and costs less. Mixed denomination counters save time but cost more.
How often should I clean my money counter?
Clean your machine weekly with the included brush and cloth, especially if you handle worn or damaged bills. Regular maintenance prevents jams and keeps the machine running smoothly.
Can money counters handle damaged or worn bills?
Yes, quality machines handle worn bills well. However, extremely damaged or torn bills may jam the machine or trigger false alarms. Remove severely damaged bills before counting.
What’s the difference between USD-only and multi-currency counters?
USD-only counters recognize only US bills and cost less. Multi-currency models recognize five or more currencies, making them essential for international or border retail.
Final Thoughts
For most small retail shops, the Cassida 6600 UV/MG offers the best combination of speed, price, and reliability. Choose based on your specific needs: prioritize speed and budget with Cassida, mixed denominations with KOLIBRI, or multi-currency support with KBR-500 or CN5.
The right money counter saves time, reduces errors, and protects your business from counterfeits. Invest in quality equipment that matches your actual cash-handling volume and currency needs.
