The EDC Machine, Bank Accounts & What Nobody Tells You — Thai-Co’s Complete Guide

Thinking of doing business in Thailand? Maybe you’ve just registered your company, opened your shop, or finally taken that dream of running your own café, bar, wellness studio, or e-commerce brand and turned it into reality. That’s a huge milestone.

Now comes something much less glamorous — but absolutely essential:

 “How do I get paid?”

Not just in cash or under the table, but properly. Legally. Comfortably.
In a way that customers trust, and that scales with your growth.

This is where many businesses hit their first serious roadblock — and it usually starts with trying to get something as simple as an EDC machine.

What is an EDC Machine — and Why Should You Care?

An EDC (Electronic Data Capture) machine is the small but powerful device that lets you accept credit and debit card payments. You see them everywhere — in 7-Eleven, in restaurants, salons, clinics, gyms.

In Thailand, as in most of the world, customers are increasingly cashless. That includes:

• Thai locals with debit cards
• Expats using Visa or Mastercard
• Tourists with international cards
• Smartphone users paying with contactless NFC or QR Code scanning
  
  If your business can’t accept cards, you’re instantly behind — losing sales and, more importantly, trust.

Here’s the Problem: Getting an EDC in Thailand Isn’t Easy

You’d think that in 2025, getting a card reader would be simple. But in Thailand, the process is surprisingly complex, bureaucratic, and often unclear — especially for foreigners or new businesses.

Banks want proof that your business is “real.” That it’s already operating, already making sales, already has customers — before they even consider giving you the ability to accept card payments.

Sounds backward? It kind of is.

Let’s take a closer look.

What You’ll Be Asked for When Applying for an EDC

To apply for an EDC machine in Thailand, especially through a major bank like Kasikorn Bank (KBank), you’ll need to prepare:

• Company registration documents
• Articles of Association and shareholder list
• Company stamp (yes, this is a thing)
• Valid passport, visa, and work permit (for foreigners)
• Proof of business location — e.g., rental agreement or title deed
• Business operation proof — photos, invoices, contracts
• Online presence — website, social media, delivery platform listings
• Thai bank account (usually a current account, not just savings)

You’ll also likely have to go through:

• A formal application process with the bank
• An in-person or video interview
•  A site inspection (for physical locations)
• A 2–4 week waiting period for review and approval

And Here’s Where Most Business Owners Get Stuck

For many new entrepreneurs, especially expats or digital nomads trying to go legit, this process is confusing and exhausting.

You might:

• Not know what documents you need (or where to get them)
• Run into language barriers when dealing with bank staff
• Get rejected for lack of “proof of operations” — even if you’re 100% legit
• Waste weeks preparing the wrong things or waiting for a response
  
  That’s why so many businesses in Thailand either:
• Operate without EDC (and lose revenue daily), or
• Accept payments under someone else’s name (an illegal move)

Thai-Co Solves This Problem for You — Start to Finish

• Preparing the right documents
• Organizing proof of operations
• Coordinating with your landlord (for rental verification)
• Presenting your business case to the bank
•  Following up regularly until your EDC machine is installed and live
  We know what banks look for, and we make sure you tick every box — even the ones nobody tells you about.

But It’s Not Just About the EDC – It’s About Getting Paid, Period.

Here’s something many first-time entrepreneurs in Thailand don’t know:

You can’t get an EDC machine unless you have a proper Thai bank account — and not just any account, but the right type.

That’s why Thai-Co also supports you with opening both:

Savings Account (บัญชีออมทรัพย์)

This is your standard Thai bank account. It’s used for:

• Daily withdrawals and transfers
• Receiving payments
• ATM access
• Connecting to PromptPay (QR payments)
  

   

  While great for personal use and low-fee transactions, it doesn’t support cheque books — which many suppliers and institutions still require.

Current Account (บัญชีกระแสรายวัน)

• Issue and receive cheques
• Get paid by companies, government entities, and larger institutions
• Settle payments from your EDC machine directly
• Use it as official proof of financial activity

What About Cheques?

Indeed, cheques are still commonly used in Thailand. There are two main types:

• Standard Cheques – These can be given to suppliers or business partners and are frequently used for monthly rent, B2B transactions, or government contracts.

• Cashier's Cheques – These are provided by the bank upon request and are typically used for significant payments, such as purchasing a vehicle or property, and are often necessary for high-trust transactions.

  Thai-Co assists with various aspects related to cheques: Ordering a cheque book, essential for business transactions in Thailand. Guiding on the proper usage of cheques, adhering to specific bank guidelines in Thailand. Providing support on understanding cheque clearing times and associated fees. Ensures awareness of cheque clearing durations and any costs involved. Estimated costs: Cheque book: 300 to 500 THB, which covers the printing and processing fees associated with issuing a new cheque book. Maintaining a current account: Monthly charges of approximately 50 to 100 THB, which may include service fees for account management and access to banking facilities. Cashier's cheque fee: Typically ranges from 50 to 200 THB, depending on the amount, as this fee covers the bank's processing and guarantee of the cheque's paymentS

Why This All Matters More Than You Think

Imagine you’ve just opened a beautiful café, nestled in a bustling neighborhood. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, drawing in both local residents and curious tourists. Your location is ideal, strategically placed to capture foot traffic, and your coffee is exceptional, crafted with care and precision. As word spreads, you begin to see a diverse mix of customers, from local regulars who appreciate a good cup of joe to international visitors eager to experience the local café culture.

However, as your café starts to gain popularity, a critical issue arises. Customers approach the counter, ready to pay, and inquire if you accept card payments. When you respond with a regretful "no," their enthusiasm wanes. Some customers, disappointed, decide to leave without making a purchase. Others, frustrated by the inconvenience, might leave negative reviews online, warning future patrons of the payment limitations. Over time, this seemingly small issue snowballs, eroding the trust and reputation you’ve worked hard to build. Revenue takes a hit, and the dream of running a professional, thriving café begins to feel like a distant reality.

Now, envision the opposite scenario. Your café is equipped with an EDC machine, seamlessly integrated into your operations. Customers are greeted with the sight of your logo proudly displayed on the EDC screen, reinforcing your brand’s professionalism. Transactions are smooth and efficient, with receipts that are crisp and clear. You no longer have to worry about handling large amounts of cash at the end of the day, reducing stress and enhancing security. This is the environment Thai-Co helps you create — not just a business, but a solid foundation for success, where every detail is designed to foster trust, efficiency, and growth.

Structured payment systems are crucial for modern businesses, especially in a cashless society. They ensure that transactions are not only secure but also efficient, providing a seamless experience for both the business and its customers. A structured system involves having the right technology, like EDC machines, and the necessary banking arrangements, such as current accounts, to handle various payment methods. This structure supports the business's financial operations, allowing for accurate tracking of sales, better cash flow management, and the ability to meet customer expectations. By implementing a structured payment system, businesses can enhance their credibility, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive growth and success.

Is There a Catch?

Not really — but you do need to be organized. We don’t sugarcoat the fact that Thailand has paperwork, bank interviews, and unexpected steps. That’s why working with Thai-Co gives you an edge.

We make sure:

• Your documents are perfect
• Your business profile is strong
• You understand what’s happening every step of the way
• You can focus on operations while we handle the bank side
  And we’re not just ticking boxes — we genuinely care about our clients’ long-term success.

Bonus: Other Thai-Co Services That Support Your Business

• Company Incorporation – Done the right way, with government compliance and long-term planning in mind.
• Visa & Work Permits – So you can stay, work, and manage your company legally.
• Accounting & Tax Support – Because financial mistakes in Thailand can be costly.
• Serviced Office Setup – If you need a proper address or flexible working space.
• Business Strategy & Mentorship – Because we’ve seen it all, and we’re happy to help you grow.

Ready to Get Paid Like a Real Business?

If you’re serious about doing business in Thailand — whether you’re already operational or just getting started — you need to be able to accept card payments, use a current account, and build financial trust with your customers.

Thai-Co makes that happen.

GET A QUOTE

No hidden fees.
No empty promises.
Just smart, practical help — from people who’ve been through the system and know how to guide you through it.

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📩 Let’s Talk | 📍 Based in Bangkok — supporting clients all over Thailand

Let us help you build a business that works — not just legally, but profitably, professionally, and with peace of mind.